What is TightRope procedure
Victoria Simmons
Published Apr 23, 2026
But what exactly is this surgery and when is it necessary? The tightrope is a device made by Arthrex, an orthopedic implant company, that is used to stabilize the syndesmosis
How long does tightrope surgery take?
In tightrope fixation, surgeons slip a high-strength suture through small holes in the bone, fasten it with small metal buttons and then tighten it as you would a zip tie. The procedure takes about 25 minutes.
What is a tightrope implant?
The Syndesmosis TightRope® XP implant system features a unique delivery mechanism that allows surgeons to insert the implant without pulling a needle through the medial skin. Tensioning handles and a new trocar-tipped drill bit have been added to the implant system. It is available in stainless steel and titanium.
What is a tightrope procedure on your ankle?
This 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.What surgery is done for a high ankle sprain?
What is the surgery for a high ankle sprain? In severe cases or if a ligament has been completely torn, the standard surgical procedure is to insert a screw between the tibia and fibula to hold the two bones together. This relieves pressure on the ligaments and allows them to scar and heal.
How much does syndesmosis surgery cost?
Another study retrospectively reviewed the cost of syndesmotic screw removal. The authors identified 56 patients over 6 years treated with rigid syndesmotic fixation that was subsequently removed within 6 months of fixation. Average operative cost for removal was $3579.
What is TightRope surgery for dogs?
The Tightrope technique is a modification of human procedures used in ankle surgery. A device is surgically placed that stabilizes the CCL-deficient knee through bone tunnels drilled using smaller incisions.
What is ankle syndesmosis?
The syndesmosis is a fibrous joint held together by ligaments. It’s located near the ankle joint, between the tibia, or shinbone, and the distal fibula, or outside leg bone. That’s why it’s also called the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.What is a displaced Trimalleolar fracture?
Overview. A trimalleolar fracture is a type of ankle fracture. It happens when you fracture three different areas in your ankle called the malleoli. These bones, called the medial, lateral, and posterior malleoli, stick out somewhat at your ankle.
How do you treat syndesmosis injury?Acute instability of the syndesmosis must be treated surgically by placing a syndesmotic screw or a suture button. Sometimes AITFL repair is all that is needed.
Article first time published onDid Tua have tightrope surgery?
For the second season in a row, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa underwent a “tightrope procedure” for an ankle injury, this time for his right ankle. Technically speaking, the procedure is called the Knotless Syndesmosis TightRope Implant System.
When does a high ankle sprain need surgery?
If there’s too much separation between your tibia and fibula, for example, your doctor may recommend corrective surgery. In that case, you’ll have to wear a cast or a boot for around three months while you recover, then return to physical therapy. Usually, the long-term outcome is good for a high ankle sprain.
Do sprained ankles ever require surgery?
Treatment. Almost all ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately.
How long does it take for a dog to recover from CCL surgery?
At our animal hospital, most dogs can return home the same day. Total recovery period is about 12 to 16 weeks. Here’s how to help your dog heal after TPLO surgery. Limit physical activity for the first two weeks: Your pooch will have sutures during this time, so limit outdoor activities to potty breaks.
Is TightRope better than TPLO?
Based on most reports and clinical experience, TPLO: Carries a slightly lower risk of major complications than TTA or TightRope. May provide better return to function than common extracapsular stabilization techniques. May result in less caudal femoral subluxation.
How long does it take a dog to recover from cruciate ligament surgery?
How Long Does Recovery for Dog ACL Surgery Take? The overall recovery time for this surgery will vary but can be anywhere between 4-6 weeks with slow introduction of activity onto the leg over 8-12 weeks in total. Some dogs with more chronic CCL tears can take up to 6 months for recovery.
How serious is a Trimalleolar fracture?
A trimalleolar fracture is a serious injury that will dramatically reduce a person’s mobility and quality of life while the injury heals. It is essential that people help with their rehabilitation by undertaking physical therapy and doing home exercises to strengthen the ankle.
Do you sleep with walking boot on?
Walking: You may walk on the foot as comfort allows but you may find it easier to walk on your heel in the early stages. If supplied, wear the boot for comfort and use crutches when walking. It is ok to take the boot off at night, when resting at home and to wash.
Do metal plates and screws need to be removed?
Occasionally a screw is positioned across a joint to help hold that joint in place whilst it heals and it should be removed before moving the joint again to prevent breakage of the metalwork. Infected metalwork should always be removed preferably after the fracture has healed.
What are the 3 bones that make up the ankle?
- The shin bone (tibia)
- The thinner bone running next to the shin bone (fibula)
- A foot bone that sits above the heel bone (talus)
How do you know if you need surgery for syndesmosis?
If there is an unstable joint, surgery is typically necessary to provide stability. If the syndesmosis is found to be stable, it usually will not require surgical management. If you have other medical conditions that make surgery too risky for your health, your surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment.
How is Syndesmotic injury diagnosed?
Clinical diagnosis The diagnosis of syndesmosis injury is based on injury pattern, thorough physical examination, and radiographic findings. When no fracture is present, clinical findings will include ankle pain, tenderness directly over the anterior syndesmosis, and positive squeeze and external rotation tests.
How long does syndesmosis take to heal?
Syndesmosis injuries generally involve a period of immobilisation for 4-6 weeks depending on severity. (Yes that means a moon boot!) Following this we allow a further 6-12 weeks for a full recovery. These injuries are much slower than your normal ankle sprain.
Does syndesmosis heal by itself?
Evidence suggests that syndesmosis sprains typically require 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, but this is variable. Chronic pain, instability, and functional limitations are common after syndesmosis sprains.
What is distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?
This definition also applies for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which is a syndesmotic joint formed by two bones and four ligaments. … This could be due to widening of the ankle mortise as a result of increased length of the syndesmotic ligaments after acute ankle sprain.
How long was Tua out after surgery?
“The procedure went as planned, and he is resting comfortably. Tua’s prognosis is excellent, and we expect him to make a full recovery. He will return to Tuscaloosa in the next several days to begin his rehab.” The resulting recovery from that surgery took three months.
What doctor did Tua's surgery?
“Tua underwent successful surgery on his right hip Monday morning in Houston. The procedure went as planned, and he is resting comfortably,” Alabama team physician Dr. Lyle Cain of the Andrews Sports Clinic said Monday in a statement released by the team.
What was Tua ankle injury?
December 2018: Tua Tagovailoa injures his left ankle Tagovailoa suffered a left ankle injury against Georgia in last December’s SEC Championship Game. The injury occurred when his lineman crumbled into his ankle. He was replaced by Jalen Hurts, and Hurts guided the Crimson Tide to a comeback victory.
What is the squeeze test for high ankle sprain?
To perform the squeeze test, place a heel of each hand just proximal to the midpoint of the calf, and compress the tibia and fibula by squeezing in an anteromedial to posterolateral direction. A positive test is marked by reproduction of pain in the distal syndesmosis, just above the ankle joint.
What is the fastest way to heal a high ankle sprain?
- Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake. …
- Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. …
- Elevation.
How long does a Grade 2 high ankle sprain take to heal?
Grade 2 is a moderately severe injury that allows the ligament to excessively stretch. Most of the time to recovery from a grade 2 injury it requires 6 to 12 weeks.