Comparing two surgical methods for ankle syndesmosis injuries

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Clinical Outcomes of Patients Treated Surgically With Suture Button Versus Fibulink Fixation for Acute Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries

Not applicable Interventional University of California, San Diego · NCT05729542

This study is testing which of two surgical methods for fixing ankle injuries works better in helping patients recover and feel less pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Diego Academic / other
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05729542 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project is a randomized controlled trial that aims to compare the clinical outcomes of two surgical fixation methods, suture button and Fibulink implant, for patients with acute ankle syndesmosis injuries. Eligible participants, aged 18 and older, will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups after providing consent. The study will evaluate various outcome measures, including pain levels, range of motion, and time to return to work, as well as radiographic assessments to determine the effectiveness of each fixation method. The goal is to identify which method provides better clinical outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for these injuries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with an ankle fracture that includes a syndesmotic injury requiring surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients with severe systemic diseases, those who prefer a specific implant, or those who refuse randomization may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and recovery times for patients with ankle syndesmosis injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored various fixation methods for ankle syndesmosis injuries, but this specific comparison of suture button versus Fibulink is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ankle fracture with associated syndesmotic injury requiring surgery
* Age 18 years or older
* Ability to understand the content of the patient information/informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any not medically managed severe systemic disease
* Patient preference for specific implant
* Refusal of randomization
* Pregnant patients
* Prisoners
* Participation in any other pharmacologic or medicinal product study within the previous month that could influence the results of this study

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Ankle InjuriesSyndesmotic InjuriesAnkle Fractures
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.