Abstract:To analyze the difference in clinical effect between absorbable screw and metallic screw fixation for tibiofibular syndesmotic injury. Methods The patients with tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption treated in our hospital between August 2011 and September 2014 were chosen as research subjects and divided into absorbable screw group (54 cases) and metal screw group (52 cases) according to surgery mode. Ankle mobility and X-ray measurements, ankle score and foreign body reaction were compared between the two groups. Results The anlke dorsiflexion and plantar flexion angles in the patients of the absorbable screw group were greater than those in the patients of the metal screw group (p <0.05), but neither tibiofibular overlap (TFO) nor tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) value of the two groups had significant difference (p > 0.05). Compared to the metal screw group, the AOFAS scores were higher, the pain score was lower, and the ankle stability,walk and run abilities, work capacity, ankle mobility and imaging results were better in the absorbable screw group (p < 0.05). Compared to the metal screw group, the foreign body reaction was milder, the rates of inci-sion disunion, wound infection and secondary internal fixation were lower in the absorbable screw group (p <0.05). Conclusions Absorbable screw internal fixation is an effective way to treat tibiofibular syndesmotic injury. Its high biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics can help to promote healing and reduce secondary trauma.