Atherosclerosis （AS） is a vascular disease primarily affecting large and medium-sized arteries. It serves as the pathological basis for many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and is associated with a relatively high incidence of complications and mortality worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of AS， demonstrating unique therapeutic advantages through multiple targets and pathways. Ligusticum chuanxiong， a commonly used Chinese medicine in clinical practice， contains key active components against AS， including ligustrazine， senkyunolide， ligustilide， quercetin， ferulic acid， vanillic acid， chlorogenic acid， gallic acid， protocatechuic acid， caffeic acid， chrysophanol， and β-sitosterol. Recent literature indicates that these active components can regulate AS through multiple mechanisms， including improving endothelial cell dysfunction， alleviating lipid metabolism disorders， inhibiting macrophage foam cell formation， suppressing the invasion， proliferation， and migration of smooth muscle cells， inhibiting apoptosis， exerting anticoagulant effects and inhibiting platelet activation， protecting mitochondrial function， and modulating intestinal flora and its metabolites， demonstrating significant pharmacological activity and clinical potential. Clinically， L. chuanxiong is often combined with Salvia miltiorrhiza， Paeonia lactiflora， Angelica sinensis， and borneol to form compound formulations， enhancing therapeutic effects and achieving synergistic anti-AS activity. Compound treatment with L. chuanxiong primarily focuses on promoting blood circulation and shows significant efficacy for different AS syndrome types. This article provides an in-depth review of the active components， drug pairs， and compound preparations of L. chuanxiong in the prevention and treatment of AS， aiming to lay a foundation for subsequent theoretical research and clinical applications in managing AS and its related complications.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of roxadustat and recombination human erythropoietin （rHuEPO） on coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis （MHD） patients. METHODS In retrospective analysis， MHD patients prescribed roxadustat in the Blood Purification Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from April 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the ROX group （56 patients）， and MHD patients prescribed rHuEPO during the same period were selected as the EPO group （60 patients）， and follow-up observation was conducted for 12 months. The differences in laboratory index， coronary artery calcification score （CACS）， and cardiac ultrasound parameters before and after treatment as well as the occurrence of cardiac and cerebrovascular adverse events during follow-up period were compared between the two groups. RESULTS There was no statistical difference in CACS between the two groups before and after treatment （P＞0.05）； but the difference of CACS in the ROX group was significantly lower than the EPO group （P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in cardiac ultrasound parameters and laboratory indexes between the two groups before and after treatment （P＜0.05）. The incidence of apoplexy and myocardial infarction in the ROX group was lower than that in the EPO group （P＜0.05）， and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of hospitalization due to heart failure between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Compared with rHuEPO， roxadustat may have a positive effect on delaying coronary artery calcification in MHD patients and may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of myocardial infarction and apoplexy in MHD patients.

Objective:To investigate the association between quantified CT (QCT)-measured body composition and metabolic syndrome (MS) components in obese populations before bariatric surgery.Methods:A cross-sectional study. A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 97 obese patients scheduled for weight-loss surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from January 2021 to March 2023. The patients′ body mass index (BMI), biochemical parameters and body composition measurements obtained by QCT were recorded. The patients were stratified into groups based on gender, obesity severity and the number of MS components. Differences in body composition among the groups were compared. Additionally, the correlations between each body composition parameter and metabolic indicators were analyzed. The diagnostic efficacy of each body composition parameter for identifying obese individuals with different MS components was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:There were 75 females (77.3%). Male obese patients had higher total abdominal fat area [(693.23±148.90) vs (574.99±114.89) cm 2, t=-3.958, P<0.001], visceral fat area [(289.65±57.67) vs (195.60±57.37) cm 2, t=-6.753, P<0.001], fat content of pancreatic head [27.45%(21.65%, 45.48%) vs 21.60%(17.6%, 26.9%), Z=-2.675, P=0.007], and skeletal muscle index [73.36(68.74, 81.26) vs 61.52(55.74, 66.41) cm 2/m 2, Z=-5.246, P<0.001]. With the increase of obesity, abdominal fat mainly increases in subcutaneous fat. With the increase of MS components (MS2 group, MS3 group, MS4 group, MS5 group), the abdominal fat area, abdominal fat/subcutaneous fat, liver fat content, pancreatic head fat content, and skeletal muscle index of patients all increased accordingly. In diagnosing the presence of two components of MS, area under the curve of visceral fat area was the largest (AUC=0.706, 95% CI=0.577-0.834). For diagnosing the presence of three, four and five components of MS, area under curve of liver fat content were all the largest (MS3=0.712, 95% CI=0.605-0.818; MS4=0.652, 95% CI=0.537-0.766; MS5=0.706, 95% CI=0.576-0.836). Conclusion:There are differences in QCT body composition among obese patients with different MS components, and there is a correlation between each body composition and MS component. Among them, intra-abdominal fat area and liver fat content are of great value in evaluating obese patients with different MS components.

Objective:A novel anatomic posterior malleolus locking plate for Chinese people was designed, researched, developed, and tested biomechanically.Methods:An anatomic parameter database of posterior malleolus of Chinese people was established by collecting CT images of ankle joints from 100 healthy volunteers in Shanghai Tongji hospital from June 2022 to May 2023. Combined with relevant computer-aided technologies, a novel anatomic posterior malleolus locking plate for Chinese people was designed and produced. In addition, model verification and biomechanical test were carried out on vertical displacements under different fixation modes and different axial loads (500, 1 000, and 1 500 N). Failure loads at a displacement of 2 mm and maximum failure loads at the complete failure of internal fixation were also tested and recorded.Results:Based on the imaging anatomic measurement, the width quartile of posterior malleolus was 19.4, 26.6, 35.0 mm. The 3D reconstruction models of ankle joint CT corresponded to small, medium, and large basic posterior malleolus plates. Height of the screw safety zone was 5.5(5.3, 5.7) mm. The tip-back angle was 153.0°(148.5°, 157.5°) and tip-back height was 20.0(19.7, 20.9) mm. The novel anatomic posterior malleolus locking plate based on tibiofibular and ankle joint CT scan and relevant computer-aided technologies fit well with posterior malleolus of tibia, showing anatomic fitting. Based on the associate biomechanical test, the novel plate fixation had smaller vertical displacements of posterior malleolus fragment under axial loads of 500, 1 000, and 1 500 N compared with the control plate, but greater failure loads when the vertical displacement of the posterior malleolus fragment was 2 mm and greater maximum failure loads at complete failure of the internal fixation. At an axial load of 500 N, the vertical displacements of the posterior malleolus fragment after posterior malleolus fixation with a control plate, a 6-hole anatomical locking plate, and a 5-hole anatomical locking plate were 0.60±0.02, 0.45±0.04, and 0.52±0.04 mm, respectively with significant difference ( F=88.287, P<0.001); at an axial load of 1 000 N, the vertical displacements were 2.22±0.03, 1.10±0.03, and 1.15±0.03 mm for the three fixation modes, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=10 061.890, P<0.001); At an axial load of 1 500 N, the vertical displacements were 2.81±0.04, 1.50±0.03 and 1.67±0.03 mm for the three fixation modes, respectively with significant difference ( F=9 774.019, P<0.001). When the vertical displacement of the posterior malleolus fragment was 2 mm, the failure loads for the three fixation modes were 0.80(0.73, 0.80)、2.00(1.93, 2.00) and 1.70(1.70, 1.70) kN, respectively with significant differences ( H=54.245, P<0.001). The maximum failure loads at complete failure of the internal fixation for the three fixation modes were 1.90(1.90, 1.98)、4.30(4.30, 4.30) and 3.70(3.63, 3.70) kN, respectively with significant differences ( H=53.863, P<0.001). Conclusions:The novel anatomic posterior malleolus locking plate for Chinese people was well matched to the posterior malleolus with high mechanical strength and good stability, showing a promising future for clinical application.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the finite element model of varus-type ankle arthritis and to implement the finite element mechanical analysis of different correction models for tibial anterior surface angle (TAS) in supramalleolar osteotomy. METHODS: A female patient with left varus-type ankle arthritis (Takakura stage Ⅱ, TAS 78°) was taken as the study object. Based on the CT data, the three-dimensional model of varus-type ankle arthritis (TAS 78°) and different TAS correction models [normal (TAS 89°), 5° valgus (TAS 94°), and 10° valgus (TAS 99°)] were created by software Mimics 21.0, Geomagic Wrap 2021, Solidworks 2017, and Workbench 17.0. The 290 N vertical downward force was applied to the upper surface of the tibia and 60 N vertical downward force to the upper surface of the fibula. Von Mises stress distribution and stress peak were calculated. RESULTS: The finite element model of normal TAS was basically consistent with biomechanics of the foot. According to biomechanical analysis, the maximum stress of the varus model appeared in the medial tibiotalar joint surface and the medial part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress distribution of talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface were uniform. In the normal model, the stress distributions of the talofibular joint surface and the tibiotalar joint surface were uniform, and no obvious stress concentration was observed. The maximum stress in the 5° valgus model appeared at the posterior part of the talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress distribution of medial tibiotalar joint surface was uniform. The maximum stress of the 10° valgus model appeared at the posterior part of the talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress on the medial tibiotalar joint surface increased. CONCLUSION With the increase of valgus, the stress of ankle joint gradually shift outwards, and the stress concentration tends to appear. There was no obvious obstruction of fibula with 10° TAS correction. However, when TAS correction exceeds 10° and continues to increase, the obstruction effect of fibula becomes increasingly significant.
Humans ; Female ; Tibia/surgery* ; Finite Element Analysis ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Fibula/surgery* ; Ankle Joint/surgery*

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of textbook outcomes in liver surgery (TOLS) after radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma.Methods:The retrospective case-control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 530 patients who underwent radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma in 15 medical centers, including the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University et al, from January 2014 to January 2020 were collected. There were 209 males and 321 females, aged (61±10)years. Patients underwent radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma, including cholecystectomy, hepatectomy, invasive bile duct resection, and lymph node dissection. Observation indicators: (1) situations of TOLS; (2) influencing factors of TOLS. Measure-ment data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Comparison of ordinal data between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. The univariate analysis was conducted using the corresponding statistical methods based on data type, and variables with P<0.10 were included in multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted using the Logistic stepwise regression model. Results:(1) Situations of TOLS. All 530 patients underwent radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma, and there were 498 cases achieving R 0 resection, 508 cases without ≥grade 2 intra-operative adverse events, 456 cases without postoperative grade B and grade C biliary leakage, 513 cases without postoperative grade B and grade C liver failure, 395 cases without severe com-plications within postoperative 90 days, 501 cases did not being re-admission caused by severe com-plications within postoperative 90 days. Of the 530 patients, 54.53%(289/530) of patients achieved postoperative TOLS, while 45.47%(241/530) of patients did not achieve postoperative TOLS. (2) Influencing factors of TOLS. Results of multivariate analysis showed that American Society of Anesthesiologists classification >grade Ⅱ, preoperative jaundice, T staging as T3?T4 stage, N staging as N2 stage, liver resection as right hemi-hepatectomy, and neoadjuvant therapy were independent factors influencing TOLS in patients undergoing radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma ( odds ratio=2.65, 1.87, 5.67, 5.65, 2.55, 3.34, 95% confidence interval as 1.22?5.72, 1.18?2.95, 2.51?12.82, 2.83?11.27, 1.41?4.63, 1.88?5.92, P<0.05). Conclusion:American Society of Anesthesiologists classification >grade Ⅱ, preoperative jaundice, T staging as T3?T4 stage, N staging as N2 stage, liver resection as right hemi-hepatectomy, and neoadjuvant therapy are independent factors influencing TOLS in patients undergoing radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of staged versus elective operation for treating acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients with acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex admitted to Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 2017 to January 2021, of whom 18 were males and 8 were females, aged 32-52 years [(44.3±5.2)years]. According to the time from injury to admission, 14 patients admitted within 8 hours after injury underwent staged surgical treatment (staged group), and 12 patients admitted more than 8 hours after injury underwent elective surgery (elective group). In the staged group, emergency reduction and temporary internal fixation with K-wire were done under the supervision of a C-arm X-ray machine in the first stage, while after the swelling subsided, open reduction and internal fixation were done for tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation in the second stage. In the elective group, open reduction and internal fixation were performed for tarsometatarsal joint fracture-dislocation on a scheduled basis after the swelling subsided. The operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time were recorded. The visual analogue score (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score were evaluated before operation, at 1, 6, 12 months after operation and at the final follow-up. The rate of complications was observed after operation.Results:All patients were followed up for 12-24 months [(18.5±3.8)months]. The operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the staged group were (77.3±5.6)minutes, (14.3±2.2)days and (12.3±1.2)weeks, respectively, significantly shorter than those in the elective group [(101.5±7.5)minutes, (20.3±5.2)days and (14.3±2.2)weeks] (all P<0.01). VAS significantly decreased and AOFAS midfoot score significantly increased in both groups as postoperative time increased (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS between the two groups before operation, at 12 months after operation or at the final follow-up (all P>0.05). The VAS at 1, 6 months after operation was (4.4±0.8)points and (2.1±0.4)points in the staged group, significantly lower than those in the elective group [(6.0±1.0)points and (3.5±0.6)points] (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in preoperative AOFAS midfoot score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The AOFAS midfoot score at 1, 6, 12 months after operation and at the final follow-up was (67.6±4.5)points, (75.7±5.2)points, (83.6±2.2)points and (85.9±4.3)points in the staged group, significantly higher than those in the elective group [(60.2±3.9)points, (70.2±3.4)points, (75.4±3.3)points and (78.7±4.4)points] (all P<0.01). The rate of complications was 14.3% (2/14) in the staged group, significantly lower than that in the elective group [33.3% (4/12)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared to traditional elective surgery, staged surgery for acute closed fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal joint complex has the advantages of shortened operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time, eary pain relief, improved functional recovery of the foot and reduced postoperative complications.

Objective:To determine the anatomical parameters concerning the length, width and height of the sustentaculum fragment of the calcaneus using CT imaging data and their clinical significance.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the CT imaging data of normal calcaneus in 96 patients (100 feet) which had been collected by Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tongji Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020. There were 45 males (48 feet) and 51 females (52 feet) with an age of (42.1±13.6) years, and 56 left feet and 44 right feet. After 3D models were reconstructed with the CT data using software Mimics 22.0, the calcaneus was viewed layer by layer at each level of the scan. After the first continuous bone trabecula on the medial side of the calcaneal central triangle was taken as the boundary, the model of the sustentaculum fragment was segmented. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were measured. The outer contour of the sustentaculum fragment was projected onto the lateral wall of the calcaneus to draw the contour line using software Materialise 3-Matic 22.0. By overlaying projection line diagrams, a summary of projection line diagrams of 100 sustentaculum fragments was obtained. Seven screw insertion points were selected in the summary region of the projection line diagrams of the lateral wall of the calcaneus, and the distance from each point to the medial side of the calcaneus were measureed. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment, as well as the distance from the 7 insertion points to the medial side of the calcaneus, were compared between different feet and genders.Results:The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were (45.19±4.60) mm, (38.57±4.59) mm and (40.76±5.48) mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the length, width or height of the sustentaculum fragment between different feet or in the height of the sustentaculum fragment between different genders ( P>0.05), but the length and width of the sustentaculum fragment in females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). The projection of the sustentaculum fragment was approximately ellipse on the summary region of the projection line diagrams on the lateral wall of the calcaneus, with the long axis approximately parallel to the midpoint tangent of the lateral edge of the calcaneal posterior articular surface, ranging from 2 to 20 mm from the posterior articular surface. The distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus were (39.91±3.77) mm at point A, (40.89±3.55) mm at point B, (36.42±5.98) mm at point C, (39.12±5.52) mm at point D, (40.04±4.84) mm at point E, (33.00±3.96) mm at point F, and (33.04±3.82) mm at point H. There was no significant difference in the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus between different feet ( P>0.05), but the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus in the females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Anatomical measurements of the sustentaculum fragment can provide a theoretical basis for the range of fixation of the sustentaculum screws. A summary of projection line diagrams of the sustentaculum fragment on the lateral surface of the calcaneus can serve as a reference for placement of sustentaculum screws. Measurement of the distances from 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus can facilitate determination of the lengths of sustentaculum screws.

Objective:To propose a new classification of posterior malleolus fracture to further clarify its pathoanatomy.Methods:Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens of normal morphology of lower limbs were selected and dissected and the extent of the tibial insertion of posterior malleolus associated ligaments was measured. At the same time, a retrospective case series analysis was made on the clinical and CT information of 296 patients with posterior malleolus fracture treated at Tongji Hospital of Tongji University from January 2012 to July 2020 or at Karamay Central Hospital from January 2018 to July 2020. The percentage of articular involvement of the fracture, proximal displacement of the posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation were measured. A clinically practical new classification system for posterior malleolus fracture was created by correlating posterior malleolus associated ligaments with CT images of posterior malleolus fracture. The new classification included three types: type I was posterior malleolus fracture with only the tibial insertion of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament involved; type II was posterior malleolus fracture with both the tibial insertions of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament involved, which was divided into subtypes IIA and IIB based on the presence of articular cartilage and subchondral bone damage, compression or Die-Punch fragments; type III was posterior malleolus fracture that involved all the tibial insertions of inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament, which was sub-classified into subtypes III A and III B according to number of fracture fragments. Anatomic characteristics of the extent of the tibial insertion of posterior malleolus associated ligament, CT imaging parameters for posterior malleolus fracture and corresponding fracture typing were determined. In addition, the new classification system for posterior malleolus fracture was compared with Haraguci classification and Mason classification.Results:Posterior malleolus associated ligaments included the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament and posterior tibiotalar ligament from posterolateral to posteromedial tibia. The posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament was attached to the posterolateral tibia and the distance between the highest point of its tibial insertion and the joint line was (45.2±5.6)mm. The inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament was attached to the posterior distal tibia and the distance between the highest point of its tibial insertion and the joint line was (5.5±1.0)mm. The posterior tibiotalar ligament was attached to the posterior colliculus and intercollicular groove of the medial malleolus and the distance between the center of its tibial insertion and the intercollicular groove was (2.5±0.6)mm. Among 296 patients with posterior malleolus fracture, there were 36 patients with type I, 229 with type II (150 type IIA, 79 type IIB) and 31 with type III (11 type IIIA, 20 type IIIB). The percentage of articular involvement of the fracture, proximal displacement of posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation in type IIB fracture were significantly greater than those in type II A fracture [23.7(18.6, 28.8)% vs. 18.4(12.7, 21.7)%, 4.1(2.1, 6.0)mm vs. 1.9(0.2, 3.0)mm, 4.7(1.5, 6.2)mm vs. 2.3(1.1, 3.0)mm] (all P<0.01). The proximal displacement of posterior malleolus fracture and extent of posterior talar subluxation in type III fracture were significantly greater than those in type II fracture [7.2(6.0, 8.2)mm vs. 2.7(0.4, 4.0)mm, 10.1(6.0, 15.0)mm vs. 3.1(1.1, 5.0)mm] (all P<0.01). The new classification for posterior malleolus fracture combined the posterior malleolus ligament and injury mechanism of posterior malleolus fracture as compared with Haraguchi classification, which not only further detailed the classification, but also was more practical in clinic for increased the severity of injury was elevated with higher classification level. The new classification was more comprehensive as compared with Mason classification for it mainly added the type of simple-rotation-type posterior malleolus fracture (type IIA of the new classification). Conclusions:In combination with posterior malleolus associated ligaments, injury mechanism and fracture morphology, posterior malleolus fracture is divided into three types. The new classification system more comprehensively describes pathoanatomy of posterior malleolus fracture that contributes to related basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the posterior malleolus fracture and fixation and the rotational stability of the ankle and to explore the surgical indications for posterior malleolus fracture aiming to provide the theories for the diagnosis and treatment of disorder.Methods:Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were selected. Further, the extent of the tibial insertion of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament (ITTFL) complex was dissected and measured. Based on the tibial insertion of the ligament complex, the model for the supination-external rotation degree 3 ankle fracture with a posterior malleolar fragment and syndesmosis diastasis was created. Moreover, the area threshold of the posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture was biomechanically assessed. The difference of the antirotating ability of the ankle-stiffness between simple posterior malleolus fixation and simple syndesmotic fixation was analyzed statistically.Results:The PITFL and ITTFL were presented in all specimens with relatively broad in PITFL tibial insertion. The PITFL was attached to the posterolateral tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 45.2±5.6 mm, while the ITTFL was attached to the posterior distal tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 5.5±1.0 mm. The width of the tibial insertion of the PITFL and ITTFL complex decreased as the distance from the joint line increased. Biomechanical analysis showed that the threshold of posterior area of posterior malleolus fracture was 1/4S. The stiffnesses of posterior malleolus fixation and syndesmosis stabilization were 0.264±0.080 N·m/° and 0.164 ± 0.061 N·m/°, respectively. The percentage of stiffness restored by posterior ankle fixation was 60.9%±10.2%, which was greater than that by syndesmosis stabilization 37.5%±7.9% ( t=17.09, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The surgical technique for posterior malleolus fracture should consider restoration of the axial and rotational stability of the ankle simultaneously. Posterior malleolus fracture fixation is recommended when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio of posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture greater than or equal to 1/4. Syndesmotic fixation is proposed to restore and maintain the rotational stability of the ankle when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio less than 1/4. Regardless of the area ratio, the surgical indications for stable syndesmosis depend on the impact of the posterior malleolus fracture on the axial stability of tibiotalar joint, on the involved articular surface area and on the displacement degree of posterior malleolus fragment.