Final answer:
The most common mechanism of injury for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is excessive dorsiflexion and external rotation of the foot, which can lead to a syndesmotic or high ankle sprain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common mechanism of injury for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is excessive dorsiflexion and/or external rotation of the foot. This type of injury often occurs when an individual's leg twists laterally while the foot is planted, such as what might happen during certain sports activities.
This motion can stretch or tear the tibiofibular ligaments, leading to what is known as a syndesmotic ankle sprain or 'high ankle sprain.' The syndesmosis is the fibrous joint located just above the ankle, where the distal ends of the tibia and fibula bones are connected by the interosseous membrane and ligaments, ensuring the stability of the ankle joint.