How long does it take for syndesmosis ligaments to heal?

How long does syndesmosis take to heal? Syndesmosis injuries generally involve a period of immobilisation for 4-6 weeks depending on severity. (Yes that means a moon boot!) Following this we allow a further 6-12 weeks for a full recovery.

How do you know if you need surgery for syndesmosis?

If there is an unstable joint, surgery is typically necessary to provide stability. If the syndesmosis is found to be stable, it usually will not require surgical management. If you have other medical conditions that make surgery too risky for your health, your surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment.

Can you walk on a syndesmosis injury?

What to expect during recovery. Following surgery, you may need a walking boot or crutches while you heal. Whether you need surgery or not, severe syndesmotic sprains are usually followed by physical therapy. The focus is on healing and regaining full range of motion and normal strength.

How do you test for syndesmosis injury?

To perform the squeeze test, place a heel of each hand just proximal to the midpoint of the calf, and compress the tibia and fibula by squeezing in an anteromedial to posterolateral direction. A positive test is marked by reproduction of pain in the distal syndesmosis, just above the ankle joint.

What is the syndesmosis squeeze test?

Is syndesmosis a sprained ankle?

A high ankle sprain, also called a syndesmotic injury, occurs when there is tearing and damage to the high ankle ligaments. These injuries are much less common than a traditional ankle sprain.

Do you need surgery for a syndesmotic injury?

Surgery. Syndesmosis injuries that cause ankle instability may require surgery. Some doctors prefer to try nonsurgical treatment first. However, if at any point during treatment an X-ray shows a diastasis, surgery will probably be recommended.

How does syndesmosis heal?

How are these injuries treated? Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the first steps following an ankle injury. After that, treatment depends on the specifics of the injury. Recovery time following syndesmosis sprain can take twice as long as recovery from other ankle sprains.