Suture-Tape Augmentation for Chronic Ankle Instability

Abstract

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of internal brace technique using suture tape for chronic ankle instability. Methods: twenty-three patients were followed for more than 2 years after suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability. Twenty five patients were followed for more than 2 years after modified Brostrom procedure. The clinical results after using two techniques were evaluated and compared using Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Olarud and Molander score, Hamilton score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Anterior talar translation and talar tilt angle were obtained from stress radiographs to evaluate the mechanical ankle stability. Results: There was no significant difference in VAS at final follow-up (P < .325). There was no significant difference in FAOS at final follow-up (P < .242). There was no significant difference in AOFAS score at final follow-up (P < .418). There was no significant difference in Olarud and Molander score at final follow-up (P < .244). According to the Hamilton score, 14 cases (93%) in internal brace group and 23 cases (92%) achieved satisfactory functional results. Talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had improved to an average of 2.2 degrees and 4.4 mm in internal brace group and 2.7 degrees and 5.4 mm in modified Brostrom group, respectively, at final follow-up, and there was no significant difference (P < .128, < .226, respectively). There were no complications such as skin irritation and wound infection. Conclusion: Suture tape augmentation has shown the potential for stabilizing the lateral ankle ligmament complex as an alternative to direct repair. Functional, objective, and subjective outcomes were excellent in all cases and no complications were seen postoperatively. To confirm the above further, it is appropriate to conduct a larger study.