Interventions for treating chronic ankle instability

Bröstrom Repair Review

Since its introduction in 1966, the Bröstrom repair has been the workhorse for the treatment of chronic ankle instability. The procedure has expanded with the advent of arthroscopy, ultrasound, and other techniques. Because chronic ankle sprains/instability pose a barrier to athletes who perform high-level activities for a living, discussions concerning postoperative recovery and return to play criteria are important. Here we present an update on the Bröstrom-Gould procedure from preoperative management to return to play.Level of Evidence: Level V.

Accuracy of Cutaneous Landmarks Compared to Ultrasound to Locate the Calcaneal Footprint of the CFL

The purpose was to determine the accuracy of the techniques of Lopes et al. and Michels et al., compared to ultrasound, to locate the center of the calcaneal footprint of the CFL in healthy volunteers. The authors recruited 17 healthy adult volunteers at 1 center with no current ankle pathologies and no previous surgical antecedents on either ankle. The authors recorded the age, sex, height, BMI, and ankle side for each volunteer. Measurements were made on both ankles of the 17 volunteers to increase the sample size and ensure less dispersion of data, independently by 2 surgeons: 1 senior surgeon with 15 years' experience and 1 junior with 3 years' experience. The location of the center of the calcaneal footprint of the CFL was determined by each surgeon using 3 methods: (1) the cutaneous technique of Lopes et al., (2) the cutaneous technique of Michels et al., and (3) ultrasound imaging. The 17 volunteers (34 feet) had a mean age of 26.3 ± 8.7 and a BMI of 21.7 ± 2.9. The Michels point was significantly closer (4.6 ± 3.7 mm) than the Lopes point (11.1 ± 5.4 mm) to the true center of the calcaneal footprint of the CFL determined by ultrasound, notably in the vertical direction. The Michels point was located significantly closer to the true center of the calcaneal footprint of the CFL and demonstrated less dispersion than the Lopes point, indicated by significantly lower absolute mean deviation from the true center of the calcaneal footprint of the CFL, and that ultrasound is therefore preferred to locate the footprint the CFL.

Anatomic Measurement and Variability Analysis of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament and Calcaneofibular Ligament of the Ankle

Background:

The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) contribute greatly to the overall stability of the ankle joint; however, ATFL and combined ATFL-CFL sprains are common. Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament with grafts has been proposed for patients with poor tissue quality or inadequate local tissue. Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments requires a good understanding of their anatomic location.

Purpose:

To describe the anatomy of the ATFL and CFL ligaments quantitatively and qualitatively and explore the relationship of some morphological parameters.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 66 adult ankle specimens were analyzed for ATFL band type, origin, length, width, thickness, and angle between the ATFL and CFL, and 73 adult ankle specimens were used for measuring the origin of the CFL. The coefficient of variation was used to describe and compare the respective variability of angle, length, width, and thickness. The origin of the ATFL was labeled as point A, and the leading edge of the CFL intersection with the articular surface of the calcaneus was considered point B.

Results:

The ATFL had a variable number of bands. A high degree of variability (coefficient of variation >0.2) was seen for most morphological measurements of the ATFL. In addition, the length of distance AB also varied. The CFL originated at the tip of the fibula in only 9% of specimens. It was found more commonly at the anterior border of the lateral malleolus (4.94 ± 1.70 mm from the tip). The angle between the ATFL and CFL was consistent at 100° to 105º.

Conclusion:

A fair amount of variability of ATFL length, width, and thickness were found in our study, with less variability in the ATFL-CFL angle. Most CFLs attached anterior to the tip of the fibula.

Clinical Relevance:

Providing relevant anatomic data of ATFL and CFL is important in ensuring proper surgical treatment of ankle joint injuries.

Lateral ligament reconstruction and augmented direct anatomical repair restore ligament laxity in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability up to 15 years from surgery

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent augmented direct anatomical repair using a Broström-Gould procedure with those who underwent lateral ligament reconstruction using a split peroneus brevis tendon for the treatment of chronic ankle instability.

METHODS

Forty patients aged 18-40 years underwent surgical treatment for chronic lateral ankle instability between 1997 and 1998: 20 patients underwent direct anatomical repair using Broström-Gould procedure (Group A); 20 patients underwent lateral tenodesis using a split peroneus brevis tendon (Group B). Median age at surgery was 22.6 years (range 18-40). Patients were assessed pre-operatively and 15 years after surgery with functional assessment including AOFAS scale, Karlsson-Peterson score, Tegner activity level, Sefton stability scale, and objective examination comprehending ROM, anterior drawer sign and talar tilt test. Telos Stress equipment was used for pre- and post-operative radiographic laxity testing.

RESULTS

No major complications were reported. Mean overall AOFAS, Karlsson-Peterson and Tegner scores significantly increased at follow-up compared to pre-operatory status, although no statistically significant differences concerning these variables were reported between the two groups. Sagittal ROM was full in 36 patients: 4 subjects in the Group B experienced 5 degrees dorsiflexion limitation compared to the contralateral side. Patients treated with lateral tenodesis reported a statistically significant reduction in the values of radiographic anterior talar translation (1.4 mm, SD: 0.9) compared to patients in Group A (5.7 mm, SD: 1.1, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Augmented direct anatomical repair and lateral tenodesis provide satisfying long-term outcomes in terms of subjective and objective parameters up to 15 years from surgery in patients with chronic ankle instability without leading to significant artrhitic changes. Objectively, lateral tenodesis appears to improve more effectively restoration of laxity; the reduced ROM reported in 20% of patients did not considerably affect the overall functional outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Comparative case series, Level III.

Ankle Lateral Ligament Augmentation Versus the Modified Broström-Gould Procedure: A 5-Year Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

"Ankle sprain" is a common injury, and >20% of patients may develop chronic instability for which surgery is indicated. The modified Broström-Gould (MBG) procedure remains the gold standard; however, there are a number of relative contraindications to this procedure, and the longer-term outcomes after the MBG have been questioned. An alternative procedure is augmentation of a primary repair with a ligament augmentation reconstruction system (LARS).

PURPOSE

To conduct a randomized controlled trial testing the null-hypothesis that there is no difference in patient scored outcomes and activity levels, between patients undergoing a MBG procedure compared with those undergoing a primary repair with LARS augmentation, for lateral ligament instability of the ankle.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were invited to take part in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo the LARS or MBG procedure. Both groups followed similar postoperative rehabilitation. Patients completed the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) before surgery and then at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery. Tegner activity scores were recorded at 5years. The scores in the 2 groups were compared via statistical analysis ( P < .05).

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria, 47 agreed to take part in the study. Twenty-two were randomized to the LARS group and 25 to the MBG group. At 5 years, follow-up data were complete for 20 patients in the LARS group and 21 in the MBG. There were 2 failures in the MBG group and 0 in the LARS group. The LARS group had significantly better improvement in total FAOS at 1 year (mean ± SD, 92.4 ± 2.5 vs 78.2 ± 3.4, P = .005), 2 years (94.0 ± 3.0 vs 78.0 ± 5.2, P = .003), and 5 years (93.7 ± 6.0 vs 75.1 ± 5.5, P = .002) after surgery. The 5-year Tegner activity scores were higher in the LARS group (8.25 ± 1.1 vs 7.2 ± 0.9, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Among physically active patients with chronic lateral ligament instability, primary repair combined with LARS results in better total FAOS at 5-year follow-up and higher Tegner activity scores as compared with the MBG procedure.

REGISTRATION

ACTRN12618000906257 (Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry).

Surgical management of chronic lateral ankle instability: a meta-analysis

Background

A key point to surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability is choosing a suitable surgical procedure. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare different surgical techniques for management of chronic lateral ankle instability.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. All identified randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of operative treatment for chronic lateral ankle instability were included. Two review authors independently extracted data from each study and assessed risk of bias. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled.

Results

Seven randomized controlled trials were included for analysis. They fell in five clearly distinct groups.

One study comparing two different kinds of non-anatomic reconstruction procedures (dynamic and static tenodesis) found two clinical outcomes favoring static tenodesis: better clinical satisfaction and fewer subsequent sprains.

Two studies compared non-anatomic reconstruction versus anatomic repairment. In one study, nerve damage was more frequent in non-anatomic reconstruction group; the other one reported that radiological measurement of ankle laxity showed that non-anatomic reconstruction provided higher reduction of talar tilt angle.

Two studies comparing two anatomic repairment surgical techniques (transosseous suture versus imbrication) showed no significant difference in any clinical outcome at the follow-up except operation time.

One study compared two different anatomic repairment techniques. They found that the double anchor technique was superior with respect to the reduction of talar tilt than single anchor technique.

One study compared an anatomic reconstruction procedure with a modified Brostrom technique. Primary reconstruction combined with ligament advanced reinforcement system results in better patient-scored clinical outcome, at 2 years post-surgery, than the modified Brostrom procedure.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence to support any one surgical technique over another surgical technique for chronic lateral ankle instability, but based on the evidence, we could still get some conclusions: (1) There are limitations to the use of dynamic tenodesis, which obtained poor clinical satisfaction and more subsequent sprains. (2) Non-anatomic reconstruction abnormally increased inversion stiffness at the subtalar level as compare with anatomic repairment. (3) Multiple types of modified Brostrom procedures could acquire good clinical results. (4) Anatomic reconstruction is a better procedure for some specific patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13018-018-0870-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Stress Radiography in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

BACKGROUND

Studies regarding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the lateral ankle ligaments in chronic lateral ankle instability and their clinical relevance for surgery are lacking. This study classified the lateral ankle ligament MRI findings of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) and correlated these findings with ankle stress radiographs.

METHODS

We included 132 ankles with CLAI that underwent ligament reconstructions from 2006 to 2013. The distributions of the ATFL and CFL morphologies were evaluated using the following categories: (1) the amount of thickness: normal/thickened/attenuated/non-visualized, (2) the presence of discontinuity, (3) wavy or irregular contour, and (4) increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images. The relationships between the ligament morphologies and stress radiographs were analyzed.

RESULTS

The ATFL was normal in 5 (4%) ankles, thickened in 35 (27%), attenuated in 76 (58%), and non-visualized in 16 (12%), while the CFL was normal in 39 (30%) ankles, thickened in 42 (32%), attenuated in 44 (33%), and non-visualized in 7 (5%). Discontinuity of the ATFL or CFL was observed in 46 (35%) ankles. Wavy or irregular contours were observed in 55 (42%) ATFLs and 37 (28%) CFLs, and signal intensity of both ligaments was increased in 19 (14%) ankles. ATFL ( P < .001) and CFL thickness ( P = .007) correlated with the talar tilt angle.

CONCLUSIONS

The MRI findings of CLAI showed several morphologies and specific incidences for each morphology. Attenuated, wavy appearance was the most frequent MRI pattern. Thickness was related to the degree of instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Neuromuscular control and rehabilitation of the unstable ankle

Lateral ankle sprain is a common orthopedic injury with a very high recurrence rate in athletes. After decades of research, it is still unclear what contributes to the high recurrence rate of ankle sprain, and what is the most effective intervention to reduce the incident of initial and recurrent injuries. In addition, clinicians often implement balance training as part of the rehabilitation protocol in hopes of enhancing the neuromuscular control and proprioception of the ankle joint. However, there is no consensus on whether the neuromuscular control and proprioception are compromised in unstable ankles. To reduce the prevalence of ankle sprains, the effectiveness of engaging balance training to enhance the neuromuscular control and proprioception of the ankle joint is also questionable.

Primary ankle ligament augmentation versus modified Brostrom-Gould procedure: a 2-year randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

More than 20% of patients develop chronic instability following appropriate management of an 'ankle sprain'. There is little research comparing surgical techniques. 'Anatomical' procedures, such as the modified Brostrom-Gould (MBG), are generally preferred. However, not all patients are suitable for this procedure. Augmentation of a primary repair using a synthetic ligament, such as the ligament augmentation reconstruction system (LARS), is another 'anatomic' option. Our objective was to compare the clinical outcome following the MBG with that following the LARS technique using a prospective randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients who satisfied the study criteria were randomly allocated to undergo the LARS procedure or the MBG procedure. All patients followed a similar rehabilitation programme. Patients completed the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) before surgery, and then at 1 year and 2 years following surgery. Statistical analysis was used to compare the groups (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Forty-one patients took part in the study, 21 were randomized to the LARS group and 20 to the MBG group. The LARS group had a significantly better improvement in the total FAOS at both 1 year (25.5 standard error (SE) 3.8 versus 16.0 SE 3.3) and 2 years (27.1 SE 4.5 versus 15.8 SE 4.9) post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Primary repair combined with LARS results in better patient-scored clinical outcome, at 2 years post-surgery, than the MBG procedure. Although longer follow-up is required, the LARS procedure may be considered as an alternative, especially in those patients for whom the MBG is relatively contra-indicated.

The use of MRI in pre-operative evaluation of anterior talofibular ligament in chronic ankle instability

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the applicability of MRI for the quantitative assessment of anterior talofibular ligaments (ATFLs) in symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI).

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2010, 39 patients with symptomatic CAI underwent surgical treatment (22 male, 17 female, mean age 25.4 years (15 to 40)). In all patients, the maximum diameters of the ATFLs were measured on pre-operative T2-weighted MR images in planes parallel to the path of the ATFL. They were classified into three groups based on a previously published method with modifications: 'normal', diameter = 1.0 - 3.2 mm; 'thickened', diameter > 3.2 mm; 'thin or absent', diameter < 1.0 mm. Stress radiography was performed with the maximum manual force in inversion under general anaesthesia immediately prior to surgery. In surgery, ATFLs were macroscopically divided into two categories: 'thickened', an obvious thickened ligament and 'thin or absent'. The imaging results were compared with the macroscopic results that are considered to be of a gold standard.

RESULTS

Agreement was reached when comparison was made between groups, based on MRI and macroscopic findings. ATFLs were abnormal in all 39 cases and classified as ten 'thickened' and 29 'thin or absent'. As to talar tilt stress radiography, a clear cut-off angle, which would allow discrimination between 'thickened' and 'thin or absent' patients, was not identified.

CONCLUSION

MRI is valuable as a pre-operative assessment tool that can provide the quantitative information of ATFLs in patients with CAI. Cite this article Bone Joint Res 2014;3:241-5.

The use of multimedia as an adjunct to the informed consent process for ankle ligament reconstruction surgery

BACKGROUND

Obtaining "informed consent" is an integral aspect of surgery that can be fraught with difficulty. This study assessed the efficacy of a multimedia education tool in improving patients' understanding when used as an adjunct to the traditional verbal consent process regarding ankle lateral ligament reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

A total of 56 patients (28 males and 28 females) were recruited with a mean age of 36 years. A standardized verbal discussion regarding surgical treatment was provided to each patient. Understanding was then assessed using a knowledge questionnaire. Subsequently, each patient observed a multimedia educational program following which the knowledge questionnaire was repeated. Additional supplementary questions were then given regarding the ease of understanding and satisfaction with the 2 methods of education delivery.

RESULTS

The patients answered 75% of the questions correctly before the multimedia module compared with 88% after it (P < .001). Patients rated the ease of understanding and the amount of information provided by the module highly (9.5 cm and 9.0 cm on a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale scale, respectively), and 61% of patients considered that the multimedia tool performed as well as the treating surgeon.

CONCLUSION

Multimedia tools used in sequence after a verbal consent resulted in improved patient understanding of pertinent information regarding ankle lateral ligament reconstruction surgery.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II.

Chronic ankle and subtalar joint instability in the athlete

Chronic ankle and subtalar joint (STJ) instability is a common clinical entity and the physician must be able to determine the exact pathologic condition for proper treatment. There are many diagnostic techniques that can be used to evaluate the ankle joint and STJ. These diagnostic techniques do not take the place of a proper patient history taking. Appropriate and aggressive rehabilitation should be attempted in all cases of chronic ankle and subtalar instability before electing surgical reconstruction.

In vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar joint after lateral ankle instability

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have suggested that injury to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) may be linked to altered kinematics and the development of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. However, the effects of ATFL injury on the in vivo kinematics of the ankle joint are unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

Based on the orientation of the ATFL fibers, ATFL deficiency leads to increased anterior translation and increased internal rotation of the talus relative to the tibia.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

The ankles of 9 patients with unilateral ATFL injuries were compared as they stepped onto a level surface. Kinematic measurements were made as a function of increasing load. With use of magnetic resonance imaging and orthogonal fluoroscopy, the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar joint were measured in the ATFL-deficient and intact ankles of the same individuals.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase in internal rotation, anterior translation, and superior translation of the talus was measured in ATFL-deficient ankles, as compared with the intact contralateral controls. For example, at 100% body weight, ATFL-deficient ankles demonstrated an increase of 0.9 +/- 0.5 mm in anterior translation (P = .008), an increase of 5.7 degrees +/- 3.6 degrees in internal rotation (P = .008), and a slight increase of 0.2 +/- 0.2 mm in the superior translation (P = .02) relative to the intact contralateral ankles.

CONCLUSION

Deficiency of the ATFL increases anterior translation, internal rotation, and superior translation of the talus.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Altered kinematics may contribute to the degenerative changes observed with chronic lateral ankle instability. These findings might help to explain the degenerative changes frequently observed on the medial talus in patients with chronic ATFL insufficiency and so provide a baseline for improving ankle ligament reconstructions aimed at restoring normal joint motion.

Systematic review of postural control and lateral ankle instability, part II: is balance training clinically effective?

OBJECTIVE

To answer the following clinical questions: (1) Can prophylactic balance and coordination training reduce the risk of sustaining a lateral ankle sprain? (2) Can balance and coordination training improve treatment outcomes associated with acute ankle sprains? (3) Can balance and coordination training improve treatment outcomes in patients with chronic ankle instability?

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and CINAHL entries from 1966 through October 2006 were searched using the terms ankle sprain, ankle instability, balance, chronic ankle instability, functional ankle instability, postural control, and postural sway.

STUDY SELECTION

Only studies assessing the influence of balance training on the primary outcomes of risk of ankle sprain or instrumented postural control measures derived from testing on a stable force plate using the modified Romberg test were included. Studies had to provide results for calculation of relative risk reduction and numbers needed to treat for the injury prevention outcomes or effect sizes for the postural control measures.

DATA EXTRACTION

We calculated the relative risk reduction and numbers needed to treat to assess the effect of balance training on the risk of incurring an ankle sprain. Effect sizes were estimated with the Cohen d for comparisons of postural control performance between trained and untrained groups.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Prophylactic balance training substantially reduced the risk of sustaining ankle sprains, with a greater effect seen in those with a history of a previous sprain. Completing at least 6 weeks of balance training after an acute ankle sprain substantially reduced the risk of recurrent ankle sprains; however, consistent improvements in instrumented measures of postural control were not associated with training. Evidence is lacking to assess the reduction in the risk of recurrent sprains and inconclusive to demonstrate improved instrumented postural control measures in those with chronic ankle instability who complete balance training.

CONCLUSIONS

Balance training can be used prophylactically or after an acute ankle sprain in an effort to reduce future ankle sprains, but current evidence is insufficient to assess this effect in patients with chronic ankle instability.

Interventions for the prevention of first time and recurrent ankle sprains

The uses of external support and balance/coordination training have demonstrated to be effective interventions for the prevention of ankle sprains, especially in those who have a history of ankle sprain. The purpose of this article is to identify areas where evidence has been established to support the use of these interventions for the prevention and enhancement of outcomes of lateral ankle sprain. In addition, areas of deficiency in the evidence are discussed related to these interventions. Finally, future directions for clinicians and researchers as per the use of these interventions are discussed.

Surgical versus conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults

BACKGROUND

Ankle sprains are one of the most commonly treated musculoskeletal injuries. The three main treatment modalities for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries are immobilisation with plaster cast or splint, 'functional treatment' comprising early mobilisation and use of an external support (e.g. ankle brace), and surgical repair or reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare surgical versus conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (January 2006), the Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2005), EMBASE, CINAHL and reference lists of articles, and contacted researchers in the field. This review is considered updated to January 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing surgical with conservative interventions for treating ankle sprains in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two authors independently assessed methodological quality and extracted data. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. We performed sensitivity analyses to explore the robustness of the findings.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty trials were included. These involved a total of 2562 mostly young active adult males. All trials had methodological weaknesses. Specifically, concealment of allocation was confirmed in only one trial. Data for pooling individual outcomes were only available for a maximum of 12 trials and under 60% of participants. The findings of statistically significant differences in favour of the surgical treatment group for the four primary outcomes (non-return to pre-injury level of sports; ankle sprain recurrence; long-term pain; subjective or functional instability) when using the fixed-effect model were not robust when using the random-effects model, nor on the removal of one low quality (quasi-randomised) trial that had more extreme results. A corresponding drop in the I(2) statistics showed the remaining trials to be more homogeneous. The functional implications of the statistically significantly higher incidence of objective instability in conservatively treated trial participants are uncertain. There was some limited evidence for longer recovery times, and higher incidences of ankle stiffness, impaired ankle mobility and complications in the surgical treatment group.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence available from randomised controlled trials to determine the relative effectiveness of surgical and conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle. High quality randomised controlled trials of primary surgical repair versus the best available conservative treatment for well-defined injuries are required.