Stella Gartung

Papers

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About

Stella Gartung is an emerging orthopedic researcher whose work focuses on improving surgical outcomes for ankle fractures, particularly those involving the syndesmosis and posterior malleolus. Her research addresses a critical clinical question: how best to stabilize the ankle joint after injury to restore function and prevent long-term complications. In her 2025 study, "Assessing the Need for Additional Syndesmotic Stabilization in Open Reduction of the Posterior Malleolus," Gartung challenges traditional treatment paradigms by demonstrating that open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the posterior malleolus may reduce the need for supplementary syndesmotic screws, potentially simplifying surgery and lowering patient morbidity. Her biomechanical investigation, "Flexible Syndesmotic Reconstruction with Two Suture Buttons Provides Equal Stability Compared to Syndesmotic Screws," uses a sophisticated six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm on human specimens to show that dynamic suture-button constructs offer comparable stability to rigid screws. This work supports a shift toward more flexible, physiologic fixation techniques. Though early in her career, with papers accumulating initial citations, Gartung’s contributions are already influencing debates in foot and ankle surgery, positioning her as a thoughtful voice in evidence-based orthopedic practice.