This surgical technique is used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula. The TightRope system anchors the ends of the tibia and fibula together with a braided polyethylene cord, rather than with a rigid surgical screw, to restore the original position of the bones and to allow for proper healing.
Preparation
In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned and anesthetized, and the surgeon makes an incision on the outer side of the ankle to access the joint. If bony fragments have broken loose from the fibula, they are either removed or stabilized, and if the fibula has separated, the pieces are realigned.
Repairing the Fibula
During the TightRope™ procedure, a small incision is made on the outside of the ankle, and a special drill is used to create two small tunnels in the tibia and fibula bones. A flexible, high-strength suture is then threaded through the tunnels and tightened to pull the bones together, creating a stable connection. The suture is secured in place using small metal buttons or anchors, which are typically removed once the bone has fully healed
