SYMPTOMATIC OSSIFICATION OF THE TIBIOFIBULAR SYNDESMOSIS IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYERS - A SEQUELA OF THE SYNDESMOTIC ANKLE SPRAIN

Ankle syndesmosis sprains are common injuries in collegiate and profes sional football. Several reports have documented that patients with sy ndesmosis injuries require a longer time to return to full athletic pa rticipation than patients with lateral ankle sprains. Here we present the cases of two professional football players with ankle pain seconda ry to syndesmosis ossification following documented syndesmosis ankle sprains. Both patients eventually required resection of the heterotopi c ossification to allow a pain-free return to football. We conclude th at syndesmosis ossification may be symptomatic in some patients, and s urgical excision of the ossification may be required to allow an asymp tomatic return to sports.