Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with autograft of semitendinosus & bio-interference screws in chronic lateral instability of the ankle

Abstract

Objective To observer the effect of autograft of semitendinosus and interference screws for reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments. Methods A total of 12 cases of injured lateral ankle ligaments were selected, including 7 males and 5 females with an average age was 29.4 years, with a course of disease from 3 to 6 months. All lateral ligaments were reconstructed by autograft of semitendinosus & bio-interference screws. A 4.5 mm diameter tunnel was drilled on the lateral ankle, where the tendon of semitendinosus was permeated through, both ends of semitendinosus tendons were fixed with bio-interference screws on talus of at the end of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneus of at the end of calcaneofibular ligament, maintaining ankle neutral and moderate valgus position. Following operation, the ankle was fixed in neutral position and slightly valgus position with plaster cast. The wound healing, the outcomes of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and stress radiographic evaluation were assessed at the follow-up. Results All 12 patients showed no infection and the wound healed well at the primary stage. At 3, 6, 12, 24 months after operation, all patients were followed-up. According to AOFAS and FAOS of preoperation and final follow-up postoperation, function of ankle in all patients was significantly improved (P＜0.01), the scores of Chrisman-Snook group were more lower than this approach. No patients complained of instability of the ankle, and stress radiograph confirmed this improvement. Conclusion Reconstruction of lateral ligaments of the ankle with autograft of semilendinosus & biointerference screws is a practical and reliable treatment, which restores stability and function of the ankle. Key words: Tendons; Transplatation, autologous; Bone screws; Lateral ligament, ankle