Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Suture-tape Augmentation During Ankle Fracture Fixation, “AITFL InternalBrace” in Combination With Fibular Plating

An ankle fracture associated with syndesmosis injury requires an anatomic reduction and secure fixation. Persistent challenges with optimal syndesmotic reduction and long-term multidirectional stability have led to the exploration of augmentation techniques. Herein, we describe our surgical technique for fracture fixation using an InternalBrace AITFL syndesmotic augmentation through the plate. Augmentation techniques, when integrated directly with a fracture fixation plate, combine the biomechanical advantages of plate fixation for the fracture with the dynamic stabilization properties of an internal bracing, offering advantages over traditional fixation methods in the form of increased joint stability, allowing secure fixation and early weight bearing and patient rehabilitation. Level of Evidence: Level 5, surgical technique.