Karlsson Ankle Functional Score Research Articles

Predictive Modeling for Functional Outcomes After All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair of Chronic Ankle Instability.

Arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair (AATFLR) is a surgical strategy to treat chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. This study identified risk factors that influenced the functional outcomes of AATFLR for CAI and developed prognostic nomogram for predicting functional outcomes in future AATFLR cases. Patients undergoing AATFLR from January 2016 to June 2022 with at least 10 months of follow-up were included in the study. The Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) was evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up visit. A total of 15 potential predictors including age, sex, body mass index, side affected, time from injury to surgery, sports-related injury, osteophyte, loose bodies, distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, ATFL avulsion fracture, Outerbridge classification of osteochondral lesions, postoperative immobilization method, ambulation time, walking time, and follow-up time, were recorded. We first used univariate binary logistic regression analysis to select the potential significant prognostic features, which were then subjected to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm for final feature selection. A nomogram based on the regression model was developed to estimate the functional outcomes of patients. Models were validated internally using bootstrapping and externally by calculating their performance on a validation cohort. Overall, 200 ankles fit inclusion criteria. Of these 200, a total of 185 (92.5%) ankles were eligible and divided into development (n = 121) and validation (n = 64) cohorts. Four predictors were ultimately included in the prognostic nomogram model: age, sex, sports-related injury, and postoperative immobilization method. We found in our cohort that the significant predictors of poorer functional outcomes of AATFLR were postoperative immobilization with lower-leg cast, female sex, non-sports-related ankle sprain, and increasing age. Prognostic nomograms were created. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparative Evaluation of Metallic and Biodegradable Suture Anchors in Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament Injury: A Short-term Study on Clinical and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND With the development of arthroscopy and suture anchor, the modified Brostrӧm technique has made remarkable progress. However, it is unclear which material is most suitable for treating anterior talofibular ligament injury (ATFL). This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of 2 suture anchors (metal vs biodegradable materials) in arthroscopic ATFL repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2018 to December 2019, 82 patients with ankle disorders (51 men and 31 women) with ATFL injury received arthroscopic repair with suture anchor through the Brostrӧm-Gould procedure. The mean age was 38.70±9.35 years (range, 18-54 years). Each patient was followed up. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate functional status and pain. RESULTS All patients were followed up for 21.21±2.19 months (range, 18-25 months). No complications were found either group. Preoperative clinical and functional scores in both groups had no significant difference (P>0.05). The functional score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). At the last follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 93.00 (90.00, 96.00) in the Biodegradable group and 93.50 (91.00, 96.00) in the Metallic group (P=0.31). The mean KAFS score was 91.50 (85.00, 95.00) in the Biodegradable group and 93.00 (90.00, 95.50) in the Metallic group (P=0.10); the mean VAS score was 1.50 (1.00, 1.80) in the Biodegradable group and 1.30 (0.98, 1.70) in the Metallic group (P=0.22). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic repair of ATFL injury with suture anchors can improve the prognosis of CAI. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and functional outcomes with metal or biodegradable suture anchors at short-term follow-up.

Outcomes of a novel all-inside arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair for chronic ankle instability.

This study aimed to introduce a novel all-inside arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair for chronic ankle instability (CAI) with a knotless suture anchor technique-Hugging Repair, evaluate clinical outcomes, and analyze the associated risk factors. A total of 84 patients (42 males and 42 females, mean age: 36.1 ± 11.2years, range: 19-68years) who underwent Hugging Repair from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Tegner score, and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were evaluated pre-operatively and at final follow-up. The potential risk factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), sex, post-injury duration (time from injury to surgery), follow-up time, number of anchors, concomitant injuries [e.g., osteochondral defects (OCD), sinus tarsi syndrome (STS), anterior ankle impingement (AAI)], first-time treatment, and number of ankle sprains were also analyzed through multiple regression analysis. There were 68 (81%) patients followed up for a mean time of 42 (range: 35-50) months. The median AOFAS score increased from 65 (35-72) to 90 (77-100), KAFS increased from 64 (38-71) to 90 (62-100), FAOS increased from 68 (50-70) to 97 (68-100), Tegner score increased from 1 (1-3) to 4 (2-7), and NRS increased from 3.5 (2-5) to 1 (0-3). No correlation was found between the functional scores and risk factors mentioned above. In the multivariate model, age was significantly negatively associated with KAFS, FAOS, and Tegner activity scale (P = 0.013; P = 0.002; P = 0.000); female was significantly associated with poorer Tegner activity scale (P = 0.004); and the presence of concomitant injuries was significantly negatively associated with AOFAS score (P = 0.033). The novel all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair for CAI with a knotless suture anchor technique-Hugging Repair is a safe and suitable technique that achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes and provides an effective option for the treatment of CAI. Risk factors for patients who underwent all-inside ATFL repair were older age, female sex, and concomitant injuries.

Double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament by partial peroneal brevis tendon

BackgroundAnatomic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction with autologous single-bundle tendon has been widely used in the treatment of ATFL injury. However, there are few clinical reports of using the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) for double-bundle ATFL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of double-bundle ATFL reconstruction with PBT. MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with ATFL injury presenting from August 2019 to December 2021. Fifty-three patients were selected after screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The following data were compared before and after surgery: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), the pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) scores of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), the diameter and width of PBT in ultrasound and muscle strength. ResultsAll functional scores (VAS, PI/PF, AO-FAS, KAFS) and muscle strength were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The diameter and width of the PBT on ultrasound postoperation were smaller than those preoperatively. ConclusionDouble-bundle ATFL reconstruction with the partial PBT technique is a feasible, anatomic reconstruction technique for chronic lateral instability of the ankle, which meets the anatomical characteristics of the double bundle of the ligament, and the absence of partial PBT does not affect the peroneal muscle strength. Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series.

Functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair with loop suture versus free-edge suture

BackgroundAnatomic repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is used to manage chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, the optimal suture configuration used to repair the ATFL is not yet determined. It remains unclear whether suture configuration affects clinical outcomes in such patients.PurposeTo compare the functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair using either a loop suture and or a free-edge suture configuration in CLAI patients.Study DesignCohort study; Level of evidence, 3.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 71 patients with CLAI who had undergone an all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair procedure with either loop suture (n = 36) or free-edge suture (n = 35) from February 2016 to July 2018. Comparable pre-operatively, the Visual analogy score (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) scoring system, Anterior Talar Translation (ATT) and Active Joint Position Sense (AJPS) were used to evaluate postoperative ankle function.ResultsThere were no postoperative wound complications, implant reactions, or neurological or vascular injuries. Postoperative hospitalization, VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, AJPS and the time of return to sport were similar between the loop suture group and free-edge suture group. Requiring a longer procedure time, patients with loop suture configuration achieved better ATT.ConclusionAll-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair procedure for CLAI treatment provides better ATT and comparable functional outcomes when a loop suture configuration is used instead of a free-edge suture configuration. A statistical difference in ATT was observed. Given the relatively short follow-up, it is questionable whether this will have any clinical relevance.

Functional results of modified Mason–Allen suture versus horizontal mattress suture in the arthroscopic Broström–Gould procedure for chronic ankle instability

BackgroundThe arthroscopic Broström–Gould procedure (ABG) gained particular attention among clinicians and researchers due to its high rate of satisfactory results. There is a lack of evidence regarding the differences in clinical outcomes for the various suture techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in clinical effect in patients treated with one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture or two-anchor horizontal mattress suture for chronic ankle instability (CAI).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study examined CAI patients who underwent either one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture or two-anchor horizontal mattress suture ABG between January 2018 and January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the suture knot type used and the associated number of anchors. The operative time, surgical cost, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), the rate of return to sports, complications, and measured biomechanical strength using standardized equipment were compared between groups.ResultsSixty-four CAI patients were included (one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture group n = 30, two-anchor horizontal mattress suture group n = 34). Compared to the two-anchor horizontal mattress suture group, the one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture group had significantly shorter operative time (p < .001) and lower surgical cost (p < .001). There were no postoperative complications in the two groups, and no significant differences in the VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, and rate of return to sports in postoperative follow-up between the two groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in biomechanical strength anterior drawer test displacement (p > .05) between the one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture and two-anchor horizontal mattress suture at 2 years after surgery.ConclusionABG using a one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture showed comparable clinical results to a two-anchor horizontal mattress suture in the treatment of CAI at intermediate-term follow-up time. However, one-anchor modified Mason–Allen suture may be a faster, simpler, cost-effective substitute technology.Level of evidenceLevel III, comparative study.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Treated With Tendon Allografting: A Preliminary Comparison of Arthroscopic and Open Anatomic Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:Roughly 30% of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) have long-lasting painful instability requiring surgical intervention. Ligament reconstruction with the traditional open method and using tendon allografts can provide sufficient mechanical stability for severe CLAI. Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allograft has recently been introduced to treat CLAI.Purpose:In this study, we describe an arthroscopic ligament reconstruction procedure involving the use of the tendon allograft for patients with CLAI, and we compare the efficacy of this procedure with open ligament reconstruction with tendon allograft.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We enrolled 10 patients (4 men and 6 women) with CLAI (mean age, 37.3 years; range, 16-57 years) who underwent arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allografting between November 2017 and June 2019. The control group consisted of 10 patients who received open tendon allograft reconstruction. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), pain visual analog scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Tegner activity score (TAS).Results:The mean operative time was 118 and 110 minutes in the arthroscopic and open groups, respectively. At 2-year follow-up, scores on the AOFAS improved significantly compared with preoperatively, from 71.3 to 96.4 (P = .006) in the arthroscopic group, and from 68.6 to 96.7 (P = .005) in the open group. The postoperative AOFAS, VAS, KAFS, and SF-12 scores did not differ significantly between the 2 groups; however, the TAS score was significantly higher in the arthroscopic reconstruction group compared with in the open group (7 vs 6.1, respectively; P = .01).Conclusion:Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allografting resulted in sufficient ankle stability and no donor-site morbidity. This procedure can yield similar functional outcomes to open reconstruction technique and may be an option for the management of CLAI.

Non-Anatomic All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair with a High Position Anchor Shows Inferior Clinical Outcomes: A 3D-CT Based Analysis in Chronic Ankle Instability Patients

Category: Arthroscopy; Sports Introduction/Purpose: In chronic ankle instability (CAI), it is important to repair the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) at the anatomic origin site. However, there are limited reports on the clinical outcomes according to anatomical ATFL repair. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic ATFL repair, according to whether the anchor is fixed at an anatomic position. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair for CAI and were available for a minimum of 2 years follow-up. The patients were divided into three groups according to the anchor position at the distal fibula on 3-dimensional computer tomography: group A, anatomical arthroscopic ATFL repair; group S, sub- anatomical arthroscopic ATFL repair; and group N, non-anatomical arthroscopic ATFL repair. The pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) score, foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), and the Karlsson ankle functional score were measured as subjective outcomes. Posturographic analysis and radiologic evaluation using stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging were performed as objective outcomes. Results: Of 96 patients, 16 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, and 80 were evaluated (group A, n = 24; group S, n = 42; and group N, n = 14). The mean age of the patients was 34.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.4 months. A between-group comparison revealed significant differences in the FAOS, Karlsson score, and fall risk evaluated by posturography at the final follow-up. Post hoc analysis revealed that group A patients showed better clinical scores in the FAOS than group N patients in all five domains (all p &lt; 0.017). Patients in groups A and S showed better Karlsson score and fall risk than those in group N (p = 0.004 and 0.013, respectively). In terms of objective outcomes, patients in groups A and S showed better outcomes in fall risk than those in group N (both p = 0.001). Conclusion: Non-anatomic ATFL repair showed inferior outcomes compared to anatomic ATFL repair. When performing arthroscopic ATFL repair, the anchor should be fixed in the anatomical position to improve prognosis.

Deltoid ligament (DL) repair produced better results than DL nonrepair for the treatment for rotational ankle instability.

To compare the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results after arthroscopic deltoid ligament (DL) repair versus DL nonrepair in patients with rotational ankle instability. All patients with rotational ankle instability were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Clinical evaluation was performed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and Tegner activity score preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 2years. MRI at follow-up was performed to evaluate the DL morphology. A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 24 patients received DL repair (the repair group), whereas 26 patients did not (the nonrepair group). No significant difference was found in the AOFAS score (98 ± 4 vs. 97 ± 4; n.s.), KAFS (94 ± 7 vs. 93 ± 9; n.s.), or Tegner activity score (5 ± 2 vs. 5 ± 1; n.s.) between the repair group and the nonrepair group at the final follow-up. However, the repair group had a significantly shorter return-to-sport time than the nonrepair group (4.6 ± 1.6 mo vs. 6.0 ± 2.5 mo; p = 0.03). Comparison of the postoperative deltoid ligament showed that the repair group had a lower signal intensity than the nonrepair group. Arthroscopic treatment of rotational ankle instability revealed good to excellent clinical results. However, patients who underwent DL repair had a significantly earlier return to sports as well as a lower signal intensity of DL than those who did not undergo DL repair. Level III.

Nonanatomic All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair With a High-Position Anchor versus Anatomic Repair: An Analysis Based on 3D CT

Background: In patients with chronic ankle instability, it is important to repair the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) at the anatomic origin site. However, there are limited reports on the clinical outcomes according to anatomic ATFL repair. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic ATFL repair according to whether the anchor is fixed at an anatomic position. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair for chronic ankle instability and were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the anchor position at the distal fibula on 3-dimensional computed tomography: anatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (anatomic group), subanatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (subanatomic group), and nonanatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (nonanatomic group). The visual analog scale for pain, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Karlsson ankle functional score were measured as subjective outcomes. Posturographic analysis and radiologic evaluation using stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging were performed as objective outcomes. Results: Of 96 patients, 16 were excluded per the exclusion criteria, and 80 were evaluated (anatomic group, n = 24; subanatomic group, n = 42; nonanatomic group, n = 14). The mean age of the patients was 34.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.4 months. A between-group comparison revealed significant differences in FAOS, Karlsson score, and fall risk evaluated by posturography at the final follow-up. Post hoc analysis revealed that the anatomic group had better clinical scores on the FAOS than did the nonanatomic group in all 5 domains (all P < .017). Patients in the anatomic and subanatomic groups had better Karlsson scores and fall risk than those in the nonanatomic group (P = .004 and P = .013, respectively). In terms of objective outcomes, patients in the anatomic and subanatomic groups had better outcomes in fall risk than did those in the nonanatomic group (both P = .001). There were no differences in clinical scores and objective outcomes between the anatomic and subanatomic groups. Conclusion: Nonanatomic ATFL repair showed inferior outcomes when compared with anatomic ATFL repair. When arthroscopic ATFL repair is performed, the anchor should be fixed in the anatomic position to improve prognosis.

Additional Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Augmentation after All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability is Not Necessary

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Although several arthroscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of chronic ankle lateral instability (CAI) have been introduced recently, the effect of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) augmentation remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair according to whether additional IER augmentation was performed or not.Methods:Between 2016 and 2018, we performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair surgery for CAI. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years (range, 19-51 years), and the mean follow-up period was 32.6 months (range, 24-48 months). Patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical technique used for CAI: Arthroscopic ATFL repair (group A, n = 37), and arthroscopic ATFL repair with additional IER augmentation (group R, n = 45). The Pain Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome score (FAOS), and the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score were measured as subjective outcomes, and posturographic analysis was performed using a Tetrax device as an objective outcome. Radiologic outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively using stress radiographs and axial view MRI.Results:Out of 101 patients, 19 (18.5%) were excluded based on the exclusion criteria, and 82 patients were evaluated. We identified a total of six re-tears (7.3%) based on postoperative MRI evaluation. All patients who had ATFL re-tear on MRI (8.1% [3/37] in group A, and 6.7% [3/45] in group R) demonstrated recurrent CAI with functional discomfort and anterior displacement > 3 mm compared to the intact contralateral ankle. All clinical scores and posturography results were improved after surgery in both groups (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the clinical results and radiologic findings between the two groups.Conclusion:The clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients with CAI improved after all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair. However, additional IER augmentation after arthroscopic ATFL repair did not guarantee better clinical outcomes.

Treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability by double-band anatomical reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament's fibular enthesis.

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is one of the most common injuries in sports medicine, resulting in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The patients' daily life may be seriously affected by ankle osteoarthritis and other irreversible damages, if the ATFL injury is not treated in time and drags on. Patients with ATFL injury who show no significant recovery after 3-6 months of conservative treatment should consider surgical treatment as soon as possible to restore ankle stability and function. This study aims to investigate the effect of double-bands anatomical reconstruction of the ATFL's fibular enthesis for the treatment of CLAI. A retrospective review was conducted on 67 patients diagnosed with CLAI in the Department of Sports Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from January 2015 to January 2018, including 42 males and 25 females, aged from 17 to 41 years old, with disease course of (12.6±3.2) months. Of the 67 patients, 29 left ankles and 38 right ankles were included in this study. Patients suffered from repeated sprains which leaded to pain, swelling and obvious ankle relaxation. There were obvious tenderness at the ATFL insertion and the calcaneal fibular ligament insertion. Both the anterior ankle drawer test and the varus stress test were positive. Other ankle disorders were excluded by X-ray. Preoperative color Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance examination were performed to observe ATFL injury. All the patients had surgical indications and no obvious contraindications, and they were treated with arthroscopic debridement and double-bundle anatomical reconstruction of the AFTL's fibular enthesis under anesthesia. Postoperative routine nursing and standardized rehabilitation exercise were recommended. Outpatient follow-up was conducted at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Karlsson Ankle Functional (KAF) score, and the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) scale were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Intraoperative arthroscopic examination of 67 patients showed inflammatory synovial hyperplasia in 52 cases (77.6%), obvious osteophyte hyperplasia in 12 cases (17.9%), talus osteochondral injury of grade II-III in 23 cases (34.3%), and cartilage injury of grade IV in 5 cases (7.5%). All operations were carried out successfully, and both the anterior ankle drawer test and the varus stress test were negative under anesthesia after surgery. The anchors were in good position. Among them, 3 patients (4.5%) got temporary superficial peroneal nerve palsy and skin numbness at ankle joint after surgery, which gradually recovered within 2 weeks. There were no serious perioperative complications such as infection and suppurative arthritis. Postoperative follow-up was conducted for 12-24 (15.64±3.17) months. At the last follow-up, all patients were walking normally. Most patients had no pain or occasionally mild pain. Ankle function and motion were restored without re-instability. Sixty-four patients (95.5%) worked and exercised as before the surgery. Standing X-ray examination indicated normal joint space without stenosis, and the internal fixation was in good position. Postoperative AOFAS scores (94.78±6.37) were significantly better than the preoperative scores (64.17±12.43, P<0.01). Besides, the KAF scores and the JSSF ankle/hindfoot scale before surgery were significantly increased (KAF: 91.04±11.36 vs 59.74±13.63, P<0.01; JSSF: 95.32±10.21 vs 66.92±14.38, P<0.01). Arthroscopic debridement and double-bands anatomical reconstruction of the ATFL's fibular enthesis for the treatment of CLAI gains beneficial short-term effects for its minimal invasion and quick recovery.

Arthroscopic All-Inside Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair with and without Inferior Extensor Retinacular Reinforcement

The utility of inferior extensor retinacular (IER) reinforcement for arthroscopic repair of a lateral ankle injury is debatable. We hypothesized that the outcomes would not differ significantly between arthroscopic all-inside anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair with and without IER reinforcement. We prospectively randomized 73 patients who had arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair into 2 groups: those who had IER reinforcement (37 patients) and those who had no IER reinforcement (36 patients). The primary outcome was the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS). The secondary outcomes included the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Tegner activity score (TAS), ankle range of motion, and radiographic parameters. The functional outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Stress radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. The KAFS, all FAOS subscale scores, and TAS improved significantly at 1 year postoperatively in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups with respect to the preoperative and postoperative values. Significant differences were not observed between the ankle range of motion values recorded preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively in both groups; the preoperative and postoperative range of motion values did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean talar tilt and talar anterior translation decreased significantly at 1 year postoperatively in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups preoperatively and postoperatively. One patient in each group had neuralgia of the superficial peroneal nerve; 2 patients in the IER reinforcement group had knot irritation causing mild discomfort. Arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair with and without IER reinforcement showed comparable functional and stress radiographic outcomes at 1 year. Performing IER reinforcement in addition to all-inside arthroscopic direct ATFL remnant repair is not necessary. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

All-inside arthroscopic modified Brostr\xf6m-Gould procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability with and without anterior talofibular ligament remnant repair produced similar functional results

PurposeThe Broström-Gould procedure, with the repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the transfer of the extensor retinaculum, is considered the gold standard procedure for the management of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Lateral ligament reconstruction is considered if the ATFL remnant quality is poor or the ATFL has been damaged beyond the ability to suture it. It remains unclear whether not repairing the ATFL remnant produces comparable functional outcomes to the classical Broström-Gould procedure.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 84 patients with CLAI undergoing either repair or non-repair of the ATFL remnant using an all-inside arthroscopic Broström-Gould procedure from 2015 to 2018. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), Active Joint Position Sense (AJPS), and the rate of return to sports were compared in both groups.ResultsAll the functional scores (VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT, AJPS) significantly improved in both groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery. At all the follow-up time points, the VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT, AJPS, and the rate of return to sport scores were comparable between the repair and non-repair group.ConclusionThere are no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes between ATFL remnant repair and non-repair for the management of CLAI using the all-inside arthroscopic Broström-Gould procedure. From the clinical viewpoint, the present study shows that the potential differences in clinical outcomes between ATFL remnant repair and non-repair are likely not relevant when performing an all-inside arthroscopic Broström-Gould procedure for CLAI.Level of evidenceIII.

Anterior Talofibular Ligament Reconstruction could Produce Comparable Functional Outcomes with or without Calcaneofibular Ligament Reconstruction for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:This study evaluates the effects on functional outcomes of with or without calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction when reconstructing the ATFL for chronic lateral ankle instabilityMethods:This retrospective cohort study included 48 chronic lateral ankle instability patients with later ligament reconstruction that underwent either with or without a calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction using an ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon autograft from June 2014 to October 2017. The Visual Analogue Scale score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score and Anterior Talar Translation in both groups were compared.Results:All patients were followed up for at a mean of 30 months, Visual Analogue Scale score, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score and Anterior Talar Translation between two the groups were not statistically significant different.Conclusion:There are no differences at 2.5 years in postoperative ankle function and stability when an ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon autograft is used to manage CLAI with anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction with and without reconstructing the calcaneofibular ligament.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability with Subtalar Instability: Does Lateral Ligaments Reconstruction Reliable?

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:To evaluate the functional outcomes of arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability with subtalar instability during short term follow-upMethods:We retrospectively analyzed data in 8 patients (5 males, 3 females; 2 left ankles, 6 right ankles) aged between 21 and 49 years, with an average age of 31.74 +- 8.48 years presenting with CLAI with subtalar instability from Auguse 2015 to October 2018. The duration of the symptoms lasted for 12 to 43 months, with an average of 24.26 +- 10.17 months. All patients underwent arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of ATFL and CFL. Pre- and postoperative visual analogue scales (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS) and the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) were compared to evaluate the curative effect of the operationResults:After surgery, all incisions healed in stage I and there were no complications. All patients were followed for 12 to 36 months, averaging 26.15 +- 9.34 months. At the final follow-up, the ankle varus stress test and ankle anterior drawer test were both negative. Range of joint motion was good. There was no lateral instability of the ankle and subtalar, and all patients returned to normal gait. The mean VAS score decreased to 1.06 +- 0.27, the AOFAS score increased to 93.16 +- 5.26 and the KAFS score increased to 92.01 +- 6.73. All the follow-up indexes were significantly different from those before surgeryConclusion:Arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of ATFL and CFL in the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability with subtalar instability is reliable in short term

All-Inside Arthroscopic Cancellous Allograft for the Large Cystic Osteochondral Defect of the Talus

Category:Arthroscopy; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique and long-term clinical outcomes of all- inside arthroscopic treatment for large cystic osteochondral defect of the talus with the use of cancellous allograft.Methods:Eight patients admitted from January 2016 to October 2018 by our hospital for large cystic osteochondral defect of the talus was retrospectively analyzed with their complete follow-up data. The subjects consisted of 5 males and 3 females, aged between 27 to 50 years, and with an average age of 34.2 years. All of these cystic osteochondral defects were larger than 15 mm in diameter, sized 1.3cm3 to 5.2cm3. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, The Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS) and subjective satisfaction survey rating were obtained. CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle were obtained before and after surgery.Results:All incisions were healed in the first stage, and no complications such as nerve, blood vessel and tendon injuries occurred. All patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 26.2 months (range, 18 to 48 months). By the last follow-up, the postoperatively AOFAS 、 KAFS scores were 86.5 and 84.2 compared with 60.8 and 59.3 preoperatively, respectively. And the mean VAS score decreased from 6.4 preoperatively to 1.1. The range of motion of the ankle joint was normal and returned to the pre-pain state for these patients. Six patients rated their result as excellent, 2 as good and none as fair.Conclusion:All-inside arthroscopic cancellous allograft was an effective option for the treatment of large cystic talus osteochondral defects.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes after Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair with or without Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Augmentation

Category:Sports; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Though several arthroscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of lateral instability of the ankle have been introduced recently; the effect for the inferior extensor retinaculum augmentation is remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair with or without additional retinaculum augmentation.Methods:We performed a retrospective review between 2017 and 2018 of 61 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair surgery for chronic ankle lateral instability. The exclusion criteria were previous surgery on affected ankle and combined medial ligament instability. Demographic data were evaluated including age, gender, smoking, Body mass index, generalized hyperlaxity and concomitant lesions. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether retinaculum repair or not. Clinical results were analysed to compare groups A and R preoperatively and at minimum follow-up of 1 years by using the Visual Analogue Scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome score (FAOS), and Karlsson Ankle Functional Score. Radiologic outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 2 year postoperatively at final follow-up using anterior talar translation, and talar tilt angle.Results:A total of 62 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups: group A consisted of 29 patients who underwent only arthroscopic ATFL repair and group R consisted of 32 patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair and additional retinaculum augmentation. There was no difference statistically between two group in demographics (Table 1). All clinical scores were improved after surgery in both groups. (P<0.001) There were no differences were found in VAS, AOFAS score, total FAOS and Karlsson score between two groups. However, sports activity unit in FAOS, there were significant differences between group A (71.4 +- 8.1) and group R (83.4 +- 8.6) (Table 2). (p=0.032) Radiographic data also showed no differences (Table 3).Conclusion:Arthroscopic ATFL repair achieved improved outcomes postoperatively with or without retinaculum augmentation. However, among physically active patients with chronic ankle lateral instability, arthroscopic ATFL repair with retinaculum augmentation results in better sports activity unit in FAOS as compare with arthroscopic ATFL repair alone.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Impingement Syndrome: All-inside Arthroscopic Treatment and Long-term Follow-up

This study aimed to evaluate the surgical technique and long-term clinical outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic treatment for flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon impingement syndrome. We retrospectively evaluated 34 FHL tendon impingement syndrome patients with complete follow-up data who were admitted from June 2015 to August 2018 and underwent the all-inside arthroscopy technique. The subjects consisted of 20 (58.82%) males and 14 (41.18%) females, with a mean age of 32.7 ± 10.2 (range 21-52) years. The cases consisted of 19 (55.88%) right and 15 (44.12%) left feet. The mean disease duration was 18.5 ± 9.1 (range 10-43) months. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores for pain were 3.6 ± 1.2, 84.1 ± 9.6, 86.3 ± 10.7, and 94.7 ± 9.3, respectively. All patients were treated with all-inside posterior arthroscopy for the debridement of the FHL tendon sheath combined with partial muscle belly resection. Post-operative follow-up and observation of the patients' pain and ankle movement were evaluated using VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, and SF-36. All incisions were healed in the first stage, and no complications such as nerve, blood vessel, or tendon injuries occurred. The hospital stays were 3 to 5 days, with a mean of 3.7 ± 1.3 days. All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months, with a mean follow-up time of 25.4 ± 8.5 months. By the last follow-up, the ankle joint and hallux movement were normal and returned to the pre-pain state for these patients. The VAS score decreased to 0.2 ± 0.1, while the AOFAS, KAFS, and SF-36 scores increased to 97.7 ± 8.5, 97.9 ± 8.2, and 118.2 ± 8.4, respectively. Advantages of all-inside posterior arthroscopic partial muscle belly resection for the treatment of FHL tendon impingement syndrome include small surgical trauma, fast functional recovery, and reliable outcomes. This procedure is therefore worthy of clinical attention and promotion.

Arthroscopic Remnant-Preserving Anterior Talofibular Ligament Reconstruction does not Improve Mid-term Function in Chronic Ankle Instability

BackgroundAnterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction is routinely undertaken to manage chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). This study evaluated the effects on clinical outcome of preserving or not preserving the ATFL remnant when reconstructing the ATFL. MethodsFrom January 2015 to July 2017, 53 CLAI patients with ATFL injury were randomized to undergo either a remnant-preserving (preservation of ATFL) or a non-preserving (no preservation of ATFL) anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL using an ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon autograft. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), and ankle proprioceptive recovery in both groups were compared. ResultsAll patients were followed up for at least 2 years, VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT and ankle proprioception between two the groups were not statistically significant different. ConclusionThere are no differences at 2.5 years in postoperative ankle function, stability and proprioceptive recovery when an ipsilateral free semitendinosus tendon autograft is used to manage CLAI regardless of preservation of the remnant ATFL.