BACKGROUND: Conventional means in treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption include plaster cast or splint immobilization as external fixation and internal fixation using screws, and bone bolts or plates;however, some disadvantages such as unstable fixation and uncertain fixation exist.OBJECTIVE: To observe the primary clinical curative effect of newly self-developed fixation, Hook-plate fixation (HPF), for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption and its biochemical characteristics of HPF.DESIGN: Self-control observation.PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 23 patients with sustaining abruption of lower tibiofibular ligament union with fibular fracture who received treatment in the Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University Medical College, between October 2001 and March 2004. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification system, there were 11 cases of supination-lateral rotations, 7 cases of pronation-lateral rotations and 5cases of pronation-abductions. Among them 14 had bimalleolar fractures and 9 had trimalleolar fractures.METHODS: HPF was used on the 23 patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption. Radiographs were taken routinely. Talocrural joint function exercise was recommended at week 1 and partial weight bearing was allowed 2 months later. Functions were evaluated according to modified Mazur's criteria (excellent, good, fair and poor).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ①Healing time and function ev aluation after operation for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption. ② Adverse events and side effectsRESULTS: Totally 23 patients entered the result analysis, with the mean of 11 months' follow-up. ①Results of healing time and function evaluation in the patients after operation for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption: The healing time of fracture ranged from 12 to 18 weeks: 16 cases were excellent, 5 good, and 2 fair. ② Adverse events and side effects:There was no separation of the tibiofibular space, the distance between medial malleolus or lateral malleolus and anklebone was symmetrical.There was no mobilization or rupture of the internal fixation after operation.CONCLUSION: HPF is applied in treating distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruption. It causes no postoperative complications, and can recover the ankle joint function with stable internal fixation and good biomechanical features.