Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Surgical Management

Comparative analysis of arthroscopic technique for anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction versus open modified brostrom-gould procedure in chronic lateral ankle instability management

BACKGROUND

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability (CLAI) is a common condition treated using either Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular Ligament (ATFL and CFL) reconstruction or Modified Brostrom Procedure (MBP). However, the comparative efficacy of these approaches is not well-studied.

METHODS

In this study, clinical data were retrospectively collected from 101 patients diagnosed with CLAI who underwent either ATFL and CFL reconstruction (n = 51) or the MBP (n = 50). Patients were comparable in terms of age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), post-injury duration, preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson score, Visual Analog Score (VAS), Anterior Talar Translation, and Talar Tilt Angle.

RESULTS

The post-operative measures showed no significant differences in AOFAS Score, Karlsson Score, and VAS between both treatment groups. However, patients who underwent ATFL and CFL reconstruction showed significantly lower follow-up Anterior Talar Translation (mean = 4.1667 ± 1.3991 mm) and Talar Tilt Angle (mean = 5.0549 ± 1.6173°) compared to those who underwent MBP. Further, patients treated with ATFL and CFL reconstruction experienced a significantly longer postoperative recovery time (median = 6 weeks) compared to MBP (median = 3 weeks).

CONCLUSIONS

Although both therapeutic techniques were generally effective in treating CLAI, the ATFL and CFL reconstruction approach delivered superior control of Anterior Talar Translation and Talar Tilt Angle. However, its longer recovery time merits further study to optimize the balance between therapeutic efficacy and recovery speed.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Reconstruction of the Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular Ligaments Through a 2-Portal Technique

Arthroscopic anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle joint has proven to be a safe option in the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI), with good functional results as well as allowing simultaneous management of associated lesions. We described an arthroscopic technique for anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament using only 2 arthroscopic portals. This surgical technique to treat CAI is technically less demanding than other described techniques that use 3 or 4 arthroscopic portals. Moreover, as an anatomic technique, it has the advantage of preserving the biomechanics and kinematics of the ankle joint.

Results of Anatomical Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Patients

BACKGROUND

To assess the clinical and functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic anatomical repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) for management of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in a considerable number of patients during medium-term follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective analytic study was performed on 100 patients with CLAI who presented between August 2015 and July 2020 (average age: 32.9 years; range: 16-54 years). All-inside arthroscopic ATFL direct repair was performed in all patients through 2 portals only with fixation using 2 knotless anchors. Associated intraarticular lesions were treated in the same procedure. Outcomes were assessed with pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), the ankle-hindfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and the Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS).

RESULTS

All patients were followed for 24-48 months. At the final follow-up, ankle pain had improved significantly. Both the ankle anterior drawer test and the ankle varus stress tests were negative. There was no loss of ankle range of motion compared with preoperative measures, and all patients returned to normal gait. The mean VAS score decreased to 0.39 ± 0.63, the AOFAS score increased to 95.17 ± 4.7, and the KAFS score increased to 95 ± 4.07. All the follow-up indexes significantly improved compared to those before surgery.

CONCLUSION

At minimum 24-month follow-up, the all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair used to treat CLAI was found to restore ankle stability and yield good clinical outcomes with a relatively low complication rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of the Ankle Lateral Ligament Complex in Chronic Ankle Instability: Clinical Outcomes, Return to Sport and Recurrence Rate at Minimum Follow up of 5 Years

Background: Chronic ankle instability is a common condition that develops after lateral ankle sprains. Many surgical techniques have been described in case of failure of conservative treatment. The purpose of this paper is to present the results in terms of clinical outcomes, return to sport and recurrence rate after reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle with a minimally invasive approach at a minimum follow up of five years. Methods: This retrospective study involved forty-seven patients treated for chronic ankle instability from January 2013 to November 2017. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot score (AOFAS score), the University of California–Los Angeles Rating Scale (UCLA Rating Scale), the Karlsson–Peterson ankle instability score and the Halasi scale at a mean follow up time of 80 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42 years (23–63). The mean VAS pain score decreased from 5.6 (2–9) pre-operatively to 0.7 (0–7) post-operatively. The mean UCLA Rating Scale score improved from 7.7 (4–8) before surgical treatment to 9.2 (6–10) afterwards. The AOFAS score increased from a pre-operative mean value of 66.5 (40–95) to a post-operative mean value of 94 (88–100) and the Halasi scale from a pre-injury mean value of 4.3 (2–8) to 4.5 post-operatively (2–8). The mean Karlsson–Peterson ankle instability score increased from 71 (40–90) pre-operatively to 87.9 (70–90) post-operatively. During this period of follow up, the procedure survival rate was 95.7%, with two cases of recurrence of ankle sprain post-operatively after twelve months in one case and forty months in the other case. Conclusions: The described technique of reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament with a minimally invasive approach with a semitendinosus autograft is a viable treatment option for chronic ankle instability and enables the majority of patients to regain their activity and sport level with a low recurrence rate at a mid-term follow up.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Can We Get Even Better with Surgical Treatment?

Lateral ligament attenuation may occur after repetitive ankle sprains, creating instability. Management of chronic ankle instability requires a comprehensive approach to mechanical and functional instability. Surgical treatment, however, is indicated when conservative treatment is not effective. Ankle ligament reconstruction is the most common surgical procedure to resolve mechanical instability. Anatomic open Broström-Gould reconstruction is the gold standard for repairing affected lateral ligaments and returning athletes to sports. Arthroscopy may also be beneficial for identifying associated injuries. In severe and long-standing instability, reconstruction with tendon augmentation could be necessary.

Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability After Modified Broström-Gould surgery: A Randomized, Single-Blinded, Prospective Controlled Trial

Background

Modified Broström-Gould (MBG) surgery is frequently used for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). However, conventional postoperative management (CPOM) due to prolonged immobilization may have adverse effects on tendons, ligaments, and joints, causing stiffness. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aimed to determine outcomes among patients randomized to receive CPOM plus ultrasonography-guided triple injections of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) compared to patients who receive only CPOM after MBG surgery.

Methods

The present study included 40 patients with symptomatic CLAI who were candidates for the MBG surgery. The patients were randomized into 2 groups of 20, the control and PRP groups. In the PRP group, patients were injected with 3 doses of LR-PRP solution using ultrasonographic guidance. In the first injection, 2 mL of LR-PRP was injected near the injury site, and in the second and third injections, 4 mL of LR-PRP was injected in the tibiotalar joint. All patients received a short leg splint for 2 weeks, followed by 4 weeks in a walking boot. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome measures were the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and ankle total range of motion (total ROM). The assessment was performed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after surgery.

Results

The mean VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly in both groups 6 months after surgery (P < .001). However, the PRP group did not significantly improve in VAS or AOFAS scores compared with the control group. No clinically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding the total ROM scores at month 3.

Conclusion

The application of LR-PRP after MBG surgery did not show any superior clinical or functional improvement over CPOM.

Level of Evidence

Level II, prospective randomized trial.

Presurgical Perspective and Postsurgical Evaluation of Instability and Microinstability Secondary to Ankle Ligaments Injury

Injuries of the ankle ligaments complexes are very common, and ∼ 20 to 40% of patients can develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). Current concepts in CAI allow a better understanding of the ankle biomechanics needed to repair it. The surgical treatment of CAI has evolved in the last decade, and ankle arthroscopy has become an essential tool in the treatment of instability with promising results. We review the different surgical techniques to treat CAI, both those frequently used and the new approaches, as well as the normal postsurgical appearance of ankle ligaments repair and the most common complications.

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

Background

Anatomic 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.

Purpose

To 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 Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This 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.

Results

There 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.

Conclusion

All-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.

Simultaneous Treatment of Osteochondral Lesion Does Not Affect the Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes of Ligament Repair for Acute Ankle Sprain: A Retrospective Comparative Study with a 3–11-Year Follow-up

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcome of concurrent arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesion (OCL) and open anatomical repair of lateral ankle ligaments for severe acute ankle sprain patients and compare them to the outcome of those without OCL.

Methods

A total of 166 patients with grade III acute lateral ankle ligament injuries underwent concurrent ankle arthroscopy and open anatomic ligament repair. Forty-three patients (group A) with OCL underwent arthroscopic treatment followed by open ligament repair. A total of 105 patients (group B) without OCL were followed up as the control. The evaluation parameters included sports recovery, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Tegner score, sprain recurrence, satisfaction, and range of motion. Patients in group A were then subgroup-analyzed according to age, sex, body mass index, injury side, OCL location, and stage (Ferkel and Cheng’s staging system).

Results

The postoperative exercise level of the two groups recovered to more than 90% of the normal level (91.2% ± 11.2% in group A and 90.9% ± 13.3% in group B, n.s.). The average time of group A and group B to return to preinjury sports activity was respectively 4.4 ± 1.0 months and 4.4 ± 1.2 months with no significant difference (p = 0.716). No significant differences were found in the preoperation VAS pain score, AOFAS score, and Tegner score between the two groups. The postoperative VAS pain score in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (0.8 ± 1.7 vs. 0.3 ± 0.8, p = 0.027), but the difference was not clinically important. The postoperative VAS pain score of patients with stage D–F lesions was significantly higher than that of patients with stage B–C lesions (1.3 ± 2.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.9, p = 0.038).

Conclusions

For the severe acute ankle sprain combined with OCL, the simultaneous arthroscopic treatment and open lateral ankle ligament repair achieved good mid- to long-term outcomes. Except that the pain was more pronounced than in the control group, there were no differences in other outcomes. Postoperative pain was positively correlated with the grade of OCL.

Distal insertion rupture of lateral ankle ligament as a predictor of weakened and delayed sports recovery after acute ligament repair: mid-term outcomes of 117 cases

Background

For lateral ankle ligament rupture, surgical repair has been considered for patients requiring return to high-demanding sports. However, there is a lack of systematic research regarding arthroscopic treatment followed by ligament repair for severe acute ankle sprain. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mid-term outcomes of arthroscopy followed by open anatomic lateral ankle ligament repair surgery for acute lateral ankle sprain and the impact of ligament rupture site on the outcomes.

Methods

Professional or amateur athletes with clinically- and radiologically-confirmed grade III acute lateral ankle ligament injuries undergoing ankle arthroscopy followed by open anatomic ligament repair between June 2007 and May 2017 were reviewed. Intra-articular lesions and the location of rupture were first examined under arthroscopy. Simple suture repair was performed for mid- substance ligament rupture (middle group), while suture repair with anchors were used for the ruptures near the ligament attachment site on the fibular (proximal group), talar or the calcaneal side (distal group). Outcomes were evaluated at final follow-up, including visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Tegner score, time to return to sports, resumption of pre-injury sports level, sprain recurrence and range of motion (ROM).

Results

A total of 117 patients were included for analysis, with a mean follow-up duration of 46.4 ± 16.1 months. There were 48 (41%) cases in the proximal group, 41 (35%) cases in the middle group and 28 (24%) cases in the distal group respectively. At final follow-up, all of the VAS score, AOFAS score and the Tegner score were significantly improved from the pre-operative level (p < 0.001). 12 (10%) patients complained of sprain recurrence during follow-up. 14 (12%) patients reported mild ROM restriction and 7 (6%) patients experienced transient skin numbness. The average time to return to pre-injury sports was 4.34 ± 1.11 months. The smallest proportion (86% ± 13%) of resumption of pre-injury sports level was reported from the distal group, compared with 93% ± 12% for the proximal group and 89% ± 14% for the middle group (p = 0.037). Time to return to sports was significantly longer for the distal group, with an average of 4.59 ± 1.27 months compared to 3.99 ± 1.09 months for the proximal group and 4.58 ± 0.90 months for the middle group (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Ankle arthroscopy followed by open anatomic ligament repair is a reliable procedure for patients requiring return to high demanding sports after severe acute ankle sprains. Distal rupture near the talar or calcaneal end was associated with delayed return-to-sport and inferior performance in resuming pre-injury sports level.