Management Of Ankle Instability Research Articles

The Specific Anatomical Morphology of Lateral Ankle Ligament: Qualitative and Quantitative Cadaveric based Study.

The accurate understanding in morphological features of the lateral ankle ligaments is necessary for the diagnosis and management of ankle instability and other ankle problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomical morphology and the attachment areas of lateral ligament complex of ankle joint based on the cadaveric study. Fifty-four fresh frozen cadaveric ankles were dissected to evaluate the lateral ankle ligaments. Each ligament was separated into two or three small bundles. In the investigated footprint areas, acrylic colors were used as a marker point to locate specific areas of ligament bundle attached to the bone. The Image J software was used to measure and analyze the sizes of the specific footprint areas to achieve descriptive statistical analysis. The double bands of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were found as a major type in the present study with 57.41% (31 of 54 ankles) while the single band of ATFL was observed in 42.59% (23 of 54 ankles). The attachment sizes of the ATFL, posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were evaluated into two areas; proximal and distal attachments. The average of proximal or fibular part of ATFL, PTFL and CFL were 85.06, 134.27, 93.91 mm2 respectively. The average of distal part of ATFL, PTFL and CFL were 100.07, 277.61, 249.39 mm2 respectively. Considering the lateral ankle ligament repaired or reconstruction especially using arthroscopy, the precise understanding in specific detail of the lateral ankle ligament may help both diagnose and select the appropriate treatment for solving the ankle problems. These observations may help the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure for determining the appropriate techniques and avoid complication to patients.

Ankle instability and intra-articular injuries in children

Ankle instability is a common problem in children and adolescents. What may seem like an initial, relatively benign ankle injury for a child may lead to chronic pain, chronic instability and gradual loss of the ability to participate in certain activities. The complications of an ankle injury can include osteochondral defects, which may require urgent surgical attention and may be associated with an increased long-term risk of osteoarthritis. This article aims to provide trainees and general orthopaedic surgeons with a systematic approach to the assessment, diagnosis and management of ankle instability in the paediatric population. We explore the mechanisms of the initial injury together with factors that may increase the risk of injury to the child. Guidance on clinical examination and of the ankle joint is provided. Though short periods of immobilization and proprioceptive activities are the mainstay of treatment, there is a small subset of these patients who will benefit from further imaging and surgical intervention to prevent the chronic sequelae of ankle instability.