Tibiofibular syndesmosis and ossification. Case report: Sequelae of ankle sprain in an adolescent football player

Heterotopic ossification development within the interosseous membrane of th e ankle is an uncommon occurrence after routine ankle sprains. We present a case of a high school football player who sustained a syndesmosis ankle sp rain, After 4 weeks, he continued to have pain, swelling, and range of moti on restriction despite being treated with cryotherapy, NSAIDs, supportive t aping, and progressive rehabilitation. The radiographs revealed a heterotop ic ossification within the interosseous membrane of the distal extremity. T he patient was initially treated conservatively and went on to have surgica l excision with an excellent result. Symptomatic patients will require defi nitive surgery even without frank synostosis. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc .