Re: Anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using Gracillis tendon in chronic ankle instability; a new technique [Foot Ankle Surg 2011;17(4):239-46]

The effectiveness of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction when treating chronic ankle instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronic ankle instability predominantly occurs due to multiple exercise-related diseases. Conservative treatment methods regarding this condition have not effectively improved in recent years, which is why more focus has been put on exploring different novel reconstruction procedures of the lateral ankle ligament for the treatment of chronic ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to obtain the overall effectiveness of various lateral ankle ligament reconstruction methods for chronic ankle ligament instability.

METHODS

We gathered data from PubMed and EMBASE databases using the keywords: ankle, malleolar, and reconstruction. Newcastle - Ottawa quality assessment was carried out for the obtained studies; effect volume combination and image drawing were performed by Stata14, and Excel was used for data statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 12 articles were included in the quantitative analysis by performing full-text reading and data inclusion. Among them, 476 patients (485 ankle joints) were treated. The results showed that the overall valid efficiency of "excellent" was 59% and "good" lateral ligament reconstruction was 26%, I²=87.3%, P = 0.000; the subgroup analysis anatomic reconstruction group I²=0.0%, P = 0.993; the autograft group I²=0.0%, P = 1.000; allograft group I²=0.0%, P = 0.993.

CONCLUSION

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligament is a relatively stable treatment for chronic ankle instability.

Non-anatomical or direct anatomical repair of chronic lateral instability of the ankle: A systematic review of the literature after at least 10 years of follow-up

INTRODUCTION

A lateral ankle sprain is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation at the emergency trauma unit. Numerous surgical procedures have been described with long-term outcomes that differ.

HYPOTHESIS

The long-term results of anatomical repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular (CFL) ligament are better, with less secondary radiological osteoarthritis than non-anatomical repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of the literature after a minimum follow-up of 10 years was performed to analyze the clinical and radiological results of direct anatomical repair (Broström, Duquennoy) and non-anatomical repair (Watson Jones, Evans, Castaing). Thirteen articles were selected.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and one ankles were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 15.3 years. The functional outcome was better after anatomical repair but with recurrent instability. Loss of range of motion and secondary osteoarthritis was more frequent after non-anatomical repair.

CONCLUSION

Anatomical repair of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle resulted in a better functional outcome and less secondary osteoarthritis than non-anatomical repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Review of the literature; level of proof IV.