Repair Of Lateral Ankle Instability Research Articles

Arthroscopic treatment of ankle multiligamentous injuries provides similar clinical outcomes to the treatment of isolated lateral ligament injury at the 2-yearfollow-up.

Rotational ankle instability is a multiligamentous injury defined as an overload injury of the deltoid ligament caused by a long-standing injury of the lateral collateral ligament in patients affected by chronic ankle instability. The purpose of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes of combined arthroscopic repair of lateral and medial ankle ligaments for rotational ankle instability versus isolated arthroscopic lateral ligament repair for lateral ankle instability at 2 years' follow-up. Between 2019 and 2021, 108 patients with chronic ankle instability were consecutively treated by arthroscopy. Of this group, 83 patients (77%) [median age: 26 (range, 14-77) years] underwent an isolated all-inside lateral ligament repair for lateral ankle instability (group A). In the remaining 25 patients (23%) [median age: 27 (range, 17-58) years], rotational ankle instability was clinically suspected and confirmed during arthroscopy; thus, a combined all-inside repair of lateral and medial ligaments was performed (group B). Thesame postoperative protocol was utilised for both groups. Patients were prospectively evaluated before surgery, at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months with Foot Functional Index (FFI) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sports subscale (FAAM-SS). At the latest follow-up, the satisfaction rate and complications were also recorded. In both groups, FFI, VAS and FAAM-SS scores significantly improved compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001). In addition, according to all the scores evaluated, there was no significative difference (n.s) between groups at the final follow-up or at any of the intermediate follow-up. No major complications were observed in both groups. Arthroscopic ligament repair in case of ankle multiligamentous injuries, such as in rotational ankle instability, provides excellent clinical outcomes and is comparable to isolated lateral ligament repair at 2 years' follow-up. Therefore, when treating ankle instability, arthroscopic repair of each and every ligament that appears injured provides the best potential outcomes and is the recommended treatment. Level II, prospective comparative.

Efficacy of 3T MRI vs Diagnostic Arthroscopy for the Diagnosis of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Patients Undergoing Brostrom Repair for Lateral Ankle Instability

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are commonly seen in patients with lateral ankle instability. If left undiagnosed, OLTs can lead to significant ankle pain and progressive osteoarthritis. While arthroscopy has long been the gold standard for the diagnosis of OLTs, MRI is a useful imaging modality for pre-operative evaluation and surgical planning in patients undergoing surgery for lateral ankle instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3T MRI for the diagnoses of OLTs in patients undergoing a Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability.Methods:Following institutional review board approval, a database was obtained for all patients from 2/11/2015 to 1/21/2019 who underwent a Broström Gould procedure for lateral ankle instability in addition to diagnostic arthroscopy of the tibiotalar joint. Additionally, patients required a pre-operative 3T MRI for inclusion in the study. Patients who underwent the Broström Gould procedure but did not have a diagnostic arthroscopy or did not have a pre-operative MRI were excluded from the study. The average time from MRI to surgery was 3.5 months. Patient charts were then reviewed to determine the proportion of MRIs that correctly identified the presence or absence of OLTs compared to diagnostic arthroscopy.Results:A total of 80 patients were included for analysis with an average age of 38.1 +- 14.3 years. 46 (57.5%) patients were female and 34 (42.5%) were male. A total of 39 patients (48.8%) were identified to have an OLT on arthroscopy. Of these 39 patients, 28 patients (71.8%) were correctly identified by the pre-operative 3T MRI as having an OLT and 11 patients (28.2%) had MRIs that failed to identify an OLT. 41 patients had an arthroscopy that was negative for OLTs. Of these 41 patients, MRI correctly diagnosed 40 patients (97.6%) as not having an OLT and misdiagnosed 1 patient as a false positive (2.4%).Conclusion:In patients undergoing Broström Gould procedures with diagnostic arthroscopy for osteochondral lesions of the talus, 3T MRI demonstrates a sensitivity of 71.8% and a specificity of 97.8%. Thus, pre-operative MRI can be a useful imaging modality to assess for OLTs prior to surgery and should prompt surgeons to perform an arthroscopy with subsequent treatment of the OLT. However, a negative MRI does not rule out the possibility of an OLT being present due to a relatively high false- negative rate.

Needle-Arthroscopic Ankle Lateral Ligament Repair Using a Knotless Suture Anchor

Category:Arthroscopy; Ankle; Arthroscopy; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Arthroscopic techniques have been increasingly used to repair the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) for lateral ankle instability, however there are still concerns on complications, such as nerve injury, iatrogenic cartilage damage and wound scar. Additionally, standard suture anchors can cause prominent knots. Recently, a novel needle-arthroscopic system (NanoScopeTM) has been introduced, with a 1.9-mm diameter arthroscope and semirigid frame, which can reduce conventional arthroscopic-related complications by minimizing the skin incisions and provide excellent visualization without ankle distraction due to its small and semirigid features. The purpose of this surgical technical note is to describe a new, very minimally invasive surgical technique for the ATFL repair using this needle-arthroscopy with a knotless suture anchor, which has the potential to reduce both conventional arthroscopic-related and knot-related complications.Methods:We have developed a novel surgical treatment of the ATFL repair for lateral ankle instability in a cadaveric model. The arthroscopic system (NanoScopeTM, Arthrex, Naples, FL) is used during the procedures. The handpiece tube is 9.5-cm long, semi-rigid and has a 1.9-mm outer diameter. The scope's direction of view is 0°, with a 120° field of view. The patient is placed in a supine position and no distraction is applied to the ankle joint. Standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals are first used. An accessory anterolateral (AAL) portal is then created around 1.5 cm anterior to the tip of the fibula, of which the portal position is determined under the visualization through the anterolateral portal.Results:Almost all of the talar and tibial surfaces are reachable without distraction, due to its small and semirigid features. There is no difficulty problem obtaining proper visualization of the ATFL and the surrounding structures during the whole procedures, due to a wide 120°-field of view. The major steps of the procedure are (1) suture anchor insertion into the distal fibula through the AAL portal using a Knotless SutureTak Anchor (Arthrex), (2) penetration of suture string into the ATFL remnant using a Micro SutureLassoTM (Arthrex), (3) capture of the ATFL remnant using a suture-relay technique, (4) reattachment of the ATFL remnant by pulling out the passing wire without knot-tying, in the dorsiflexed ankle position (Figure). All skin-incisions are tiny and require only paper skin closures. This method requires neither blunt dissection of subcutaneous tissue to pass the suture nor knot-tying to reattach the ATFL.Conclusion:Our technique is a simple, feasible, and very minimally invasive anatomic repair of the ATFL for lateral ankle instability using a 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopy with a knotless suture anchor. However, the long-term clinical results need to be evaluated in future studies.

Modified Broström repair with suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability: A systematic review

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in augmentation of modified Broström repairs for lateral ankle instability with a prosthetic reconstruction using suture tape internal bracing. The aim of this study was to investigate if suture tape augmentation resulted in improved clinical and radiological outcomes compared to a standard modified Broström repair alone. MethodsA systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was undertaken. All clinical studies published in Medline, Embase, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library Database from inception until January 2020 reporting on the use of suture tape augmentation to a modified Broström repair for lateral ankle instability. Results78 studies were identified of which 10 (assessing 333 patients) met the criteria for inclusion. Mean follow up was 24.8 months (range 6–52 months). All studies showed a statistically significant improvement across multiple clinical outcome measures post-surgery in both suture tape augmentation and modified Broström groups, however there were no statistically significant inter-group differences.Pooled results suggested there may be a reduction in recurrence of instability with suture tape augmentation when compared to modified Broström repair alone (p < 0.05). Overall quality of evidence was moderate to poor with limited data to support use of suture tape augmentation. ConclusionClinical and radiographic outcomes using a suture tape internal bracing for lateral ankle instability are excellent, and are equivalent to standard treatment across multiple clinical and radiographic assessment measures. There is minimal evidence to suggest functional outcomes are better, or recurrence rates are lower than modified Broström repair alone. PROSPERO REGISTRYCRD42020169876. Level of evidenceII.

Functional outcomes and return-to-sports rate after modified Brostrom repair for lateral ankle instability with absorbable sutures and immediate postoperative weightbearing

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: The ankle is commonly injured in sporting activities occurring in up to 1 in 10,000 people a day. About 80% of ankle sprains recover with nonoperative management, with the remaining 20% of patients developing symptomatic instability requiring surgery. There are various surgical options being used, including anatomic repair (Brostrom technique and modifications), anatomic recon- struction with autograft or allograft, and nonanatomic reconstructions such as the Watson-Jones, Evans, and Chrisman-Snook procedures. The outcome of the direct anatomic repair is likely dependent on tissue quality, ability to tension the ligaments, and the security of the fixation. Secure fixation is critical to enable an early rehabilitation without compromising clinical outcome. We hypothesized that using absorbable suture for anatomic reconstruction is not only cost effective but also allows early rehabilitation with immediate postoperative weightbearing with good functional outcomes. Methods: The study included 71 patients presenting with chronic lateral ankle instability (who failed non-operative management) who underwent modified Brostrom repair by a single surgeon between Jan 2012 and Feb 2014.The anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneo- fibular ligament were anatomically repaired , and the repair was augmented with inferior extensor retinaculum proximal advancement, both with 1 vicryl suture. Full weight bearing in normal shoe was allowed from the day of surgery. Physiotherapy commenced prior to discharge from day surgery with gentle active range of motion, calf strength, and static peroneii exercises. From 3 to 4 weeks proprioceptive, theraband, and dynamic peroneal exercises were started. No boots, braces, or casts were used at any stage in the post-operative period. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Complication, failure (recurrent instability), and return-to-sport rates were also recorded. Results: There were 41 were males and 30 females with mean age at surgery of 27 years (range 16 - 47 years), mean duration of symptoms of 2 years (range, 6 months to 8 years)and a mean follow-up duration of 34 months (range 24- 49 months). Significant improvement was seen in the FAOS from preoperatively to postoperatively (from 37 to 79): the pain subscale , the symptom subscale, the function subscale, the function in sports and recreation subscale, and the foot and ankle–related quality of life subscale improved from 38 to 79, 42 to 81, 43 to 82 , 31 to 79 and 32 to 77 respectively. All these findings were statistically significant. The failure rate was 4%, with 3 patients reporting instability after subsequent traumatic re-rupture. Two case of temporary neuropraxia of the superficial peroneal nerve was observed. Fifty four out of 71 patients were involved in sports prior to injury and forty seven (87%) returned to sport after reconstruction. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that lateral ligament reconstruction using absorbable sutures is an effective procedure for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability and allows immediate weight bearing. This allows a cost-effective approach to management with minimal impact on a patient’s activities of daily living in the post-operative period. The procedure also has high return-to-sport rate.

Short- to Medium-term Outcomes After a Modified Broström Repair for Lateral Ankle Instability With Immediate Postoperative Weightbearing

Background: Anatomic techniques of ankle ligament repair have the advantage of restoring the anatomy and kinematics of the joint. This study presents a technique for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex by way of lateral ligament advancement using suture anchors associated with immediate protected full weightbearing; 2- to 5-year clinical outcomes are reported. Hypothesis: This technique of providing an anatomic reconstruction with a secure fixation will enable early rehabilitation with immediate, protected weightbearing, with favorable outcomes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Fifty-five patients with chronic lateral ankle instability who failed nonoperative management underwent modified Broström repair (lateral ligament fibular advancement) between 2005 and 2008. The anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament were released from the fibula and advanced using 2 double-loaded metallic suture anchors (3.5 mm). Full weightbearing in a walking boot was allowed from the first postoperative day. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at a minimum 2-year follow-up using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Complication, failure (recurrent instability), and return-to-sport rates were also recorded. Results: Six patients (11%) were lost to follow-up, leaving a study group of 49 patients (23 men, 26 women). The mean age at the time of surgery was 25 years (range, 18-37 years), with a mean duration of symptoms of 1.8 years (range, 6 months to 5 years). The mean follow-up time was 42 months (range, 24-60 months). Significant improvement was seen in the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score from preoperatively to postoperatively (from 36 to 75.4, P < .001): the pain subscale improved from 35 to 75 (P < .001), the symptom subscale from 29 to 77 (P = .01), the function subscale from 45 to 77 (P < .001), the function in sports and recreation subscale from 38 to 70 (P < .001), and the foot and ankle–related quality of life subscale from 35 to 78 (P < .001). No significant difference in range of motion with the contralateral side was seen (P = .34). The failure rate was 6%, with 3 patients reporting residual instability after a traumatic retear. Two cases of superficial wound infection were seen. One case of temporary neurapraxia of the superficial peroneal nerve was observed. The return-to-sport rate was 94%. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament advancement using suture anchor fixation is an effective procedure for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability and allows immediate weightbearing.

The Effect of Modified Broström-Gould Repair for Lateral Ankle Instability on In Vivo Tibiotalar Kinematics

Background: Lateral ankle instability leads to an increased risk of tibiotalar joint osteoarthritis. Previous studies have found abnormal tibiotalar joint motions with lateral ankle instability that may contribute to this increased incidence of osteoarthritis, including increased anterior translation and internal rotation of the talus under weightbearing loading. Surgical repairs for lateral ankle instability have shown good clinical results, but the effects of repair on in vivo ankle motion are not well understood. Hypothesis: The modified Broström-Gould lateral ligament reconstruction decreases anterior translation and internal rotation of the talus under in vivo weightbearing loading conditions. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Seven patients underwent modified Broström-Gould repair for unilateral lateral ankle instability. Ankle joint kinematics as a function of increasing body weight was studied with magnetic resonance imaging and biplanar fluoroscopy. Tibiotalar kinematics was measured in unstable ankles preoperatively and postoperatively at a mean follow-up of 12 months as well as in the uninjured contralateral ankles of the same patients. Results: Surgical repair resulted in statistically significant decreases (expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean) in anterior translation of the talus (0.9 ± 0.3 mm; P = .018) at 100% body weight and internal rotation of the talus at 75% (2.6° ± 0.8°; P = .019) and 100% (2.7° ± 0.8°; P = .013) body weight compared with ankle kinematics measured before repair. No statistically significant differences were detected between repaired ankles and contralateral normal ankles. Conclusion: The modified Broström-Gould repair improved the abnormal joint motion observed in patients with lateral ankle instability, decreasing anterior translation and internal rotation of the talus. Clinical Relevance: Altered kinematics may contribute to the tibiotalar joint degeneration that occurs with chronic lateral ankle instability. The findings of the current study support the efficacy of this repair in improving the abnormal ankle motion observed in these patients.

Arthroscopic repair of lateral ankle instability by using the thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure: a review of 4 cases

The purpose of this study is to determine the preliminary effectiveness of the thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. A retrospective preoperative evaluation using a modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society’s ankle scoring system was performed on 4 patients treated with the procedure. Patients were then contacted for a 6-month follow-up evaluation using the same scale. The mean preoperative score was 26 of 60 and the mean postoperative score was 51 of 60, a mean 25-point improvement. All 4 rated their satisfaction with the surgery as good or excellent and 3 of 4 stated they would have the surgery again if necessary. The thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure showed good to excellent early results in this small study group and offers the foot and ankle surgeon a minimally invasive surgical alternative for treatment of lateral ankle ligament instability.