Mobilization after Fixation with Endobutton Device versus Transfixation Screw for Syndesmotic Disruption

Background: Fitness trackers have been used to measure postoperative mobility following arthroplasty procedures, but there is no published research using fitness tracker data to compare mobilization following screw fixation versus dynamic fixation for syndesmotic ankle injuries. The objective of this study was to measure steps and activity levels following syndesmotic fixation with either endobutton fixation or screw fixation using a wearable fitness tracker. Methods: Patients that underwent operative management of ankle fractures with syndesmotic disruption using either a transfixation screw or endobutton were provided a Fitbit Inspire to electronically track their steps and activity level. Results: Patients treated with endobutton fixation device had statistically significantly more mean daily steps and more mean daily very active minutes than patients treated with screw fixation at the 3, 4, 5, and 6-month time points and 4, 5, and 6 month time points respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with ankle fractures treated with endobutton device for syndesmotic fixation have earlier and higher levels of mobilization during the first 6 postoperative months than those treated with transfixation screw as measured by a fitness tracker. Fitness trackers are increasing in popularity and the data gathered from these devices contains significant potential for creating patient specific rehabilitation guidelines that may ultimately improve patient functional outcomes postoperatively.