Chronic Rotational Ankle Instability- A case series study

Abstract

BackgroundThis study shall assess the clinical outcome of anatomical ligamentous reconstruction of normally aligned ankles with chronic rotational instability, i.e. combined lateral and medial ankle instability. Materials and MethodsNineteen cases (11 female, 8 male) with clinical and radiological evidence of rotational ankle instability and no evidence of hindfoot mal-alignment, were treated by anatomical surgical reconstruction. Cases were followed a minimum of six months postoperatively. Results18 out of 19 patients (94.7%) returned to sport and full-time work within three months postoperatively. One patient (5.3%) returned after six months and had pain-free range of motion and walking. One case (5.3%) had persistent lateral ankle instability. ConclusionsAnatomical reconstruction of chronic, rotationally unstable, ankle with normal hindfoot alignment may yield a favourable short-term outcome. However, there is a need for a larger cohort to examine both short and long term clinical outcome in such cases. Level of evidenceLevel 4, case series.