Lower complication rate and faster return to sports in patients with acute syndesmotic rupture treated with a new knotless suture button device

62 patients with either an isolated injury or concomitant injury of the syndesmosis to an ankle fracture were randomized to stabilization of the syndesmosis with either a knotless suture button device (TightRope; Arthrex) or a single, 3.5mm screw. A total of 54 patients were analyzed for follow-up. Patients were assessed over the first 12 months after surgery for patient-reported functional scores, pain scores, time to return to sports activities and work, and the incidence of complications. Apart from a transient significant difference in Olerud-Molander score at 7 weeks, the only other significant difference in efficacy noted between groups was time to return to sports activities, which was significantly shorter in the knotless suture button group.