Arthroscopic Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Background: Ankle sprain is the most frequent sports trauma. After repeated sprains, Chronic Instability (CAI) occurs and usually requires a surgical procedure. New surgical strategies to treat symptomatic CAI are evolving. In this article we describe a fully arthroscopic technique for CAI treatment. Methods: January 2017 to January 2020, we arthroscopically treated 26 patients for CAI, 21 of these were included in the study. The patient’s average age was 33, 43 years. Median Follow-Up (FU) was 22, 38 months. Using a suture passer or a grasper and knotless anchors, the ligaments were repaired with an arthroscopic technique and reinforced with arthroscopic plication technique. Results: At FU the AOFAS mean was 96, 29; FADI mean was 131, 38; VAS mean was 1, 00. All patients reported subjective improvement in their ankle instability after the arthroscopic repair. Conclusion: Chronic ankle instability can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic repair reinforced with arthroscopic plication technique. It is possible obtain significant functional outcomes with high patient satisfaction.