Chronic deltoid ligament insufficiency repair with Internal Brace™ augmentation

Incidence of Medial Deltoid Ligament Instability in 226 Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability

The deltoid ligament is vitally important in the stability of the ankle and preventing excessive medial ankle movement. Historically, the impact of medial ankle instability has not been well understood in the setting of chronic ankle instability. A retrospective review of 226 patients treated for ankle instability between 2017 and 2022 identified 40 patients who required both medial and lateral repair. Decision for medial deltoid repair was based upon patient presentation, MRI findings, intraoperative fluoroscopy and final confirmation via arthroscopic positive "drive-through sign". Preoperative and postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scores, Patient-Recorded Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, and Karlsson-Peterson Ankle Function (K&P) scores were obtained and compared. There were statistically significant improvements found in all 3 scoring systems at a mean follow-up time of 11.7 months postoperatively. In the setting of chronic ankle instability, consideration should be given to the evaluation and potential repair of the deltoid ligament in order to provide sufficient stability to the medial ankle.

A clinical guide to the medial ligaments of the ankle: Anatomy, function, diagnosis of injuries and treatment of instability-a narrative review

BACKGROUND

The aim was to provide an update on anatomy and function of the medial ankle ligaments, diagnosis of their injuries and treatment of medial ankle instability.

METHODS

Literature search on PubMed.

RESULTS

Injuries to the deltoid ligament are not uncommon in relation to malleolar fractures and ankle sprains. Chronic instability may lead to ankle osteoarthritis. However, there is no consensus on diagnostic criteria (clinically, by imaging and by arthroscopy), on indications for non-operative and operative treatment, and on standards for repair and reconstruction of the ligament complex. There is no current evidence to support acute repair of deltoid ligament injury. Reports on the effect of isolated deltoid ligament reconstruction are very sparse.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for a focused effort to establish evidence for all aspects of deltoid ligament injury.

Bone marrow edema at ligament insertion is an accurate MRI sign of deltoid ligament injury

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective in diagnosing deltoid ligament (DL) injury but its sensitivity in chronic cases is low. Additional diagnostic signs are required to reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the added diagnostic value of bone marrow edema at the ligament insertion (BMELI) of DL to the MRI assessment of chronic DL injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred patients who consecutively came to our institution between November 2018 and December 2021 and underwent arthroscopic surgery for chronic ankle instability (CAI) were enrolled in the present study. Preoperative MR images were retrospectively reviewed by two orthopedic surgeons to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and interobserver reliability of three MRI signs in diagnosing chronic DL injury, namely, abnormal ligamentous morphological characteristics (ALMC), BMELI and medial clear space (MCS).

RESULTS

Taking arthroscopy as the reference standard, there were 34 patients with and 66 without DL injury. ALMC had 64.71% (22/34; 46.47-79.70) sensitivity and 83.33% (55/66; 71.71-91.00) specificity, BMELI had 70.59% (24/34; 52.33-84.29) sensitivity and 95.45% (63/66; 86.44-98.82) specificity and MCS had 26.47% (9/34; 13.51-44.65) sensitivity and 92.42% (61/66; 82.50-97.18) specificity. Compared with ALMC, BMELI had similar efficacy in superficial cases (P = 0.06) and greater efficacy in deep cases (P = 0.04). All three signs showed good interobserver agreement (kappa values all above 0.7).

CONCLUSION

BMELI can reliably indicate concomitant injury to the DL in CAI patients. Using BMELI as a sign of chronic DL injury when ALMC is unclear may reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis.

Ligament augmentation repair is broadly applied across different orthopaedic subspecialities: an ISAKOS international survey of orthopaedic surgeons

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate how ligament augmentation repair (LAR) techniques are currently used in different anatomic regions in orthopaedic sports medicine, and to identify the most common indications and limitations of LAR.

METHODS

We sent survey invitations to 4,000 members of the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine society. The survey consisted of 37 questions total, with members only receiving some branching questions specific to their area of specialisation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and the significance between groups was evaluated using chi-square tests of independence.

RESULTS

Of 515 surveys received, 502 were complete and included for the analysis (97% completion rate). 27% of respondents report from Europe, 26% South America, 23% Asia, 15% North America, 5.2% Oceania, and 3.4% Africa. 75% of all survey respondents report using LAR, most frequently using it for the anterior talofibular ligament ( 69%), acromioclavicular joint ( 58%), and the anterior cruciate ligament (51%). Surgeons in Asia report using LAR the most (80%), and surgeons in Africa the least (59%). LAR is most commonly indicated for additional stability (72%), poor tissue quality (54%), and more rapid return-to-play (47%). LAR users state their greatest limitation is cost (62%), while non-LAR users state their greatest reason not to use LAR is that patients do well without it (46%). We also find that the frequency of LAR use among surgeons may differ based on practice characteristics and training. For example, surgeons who treat athletes at the professional or Olympic level are significantly more likely to have a high annual use of LAR (20+ cases) compared to surgeons that treat only recreational athletes (45% and 25%, respectively, p ​= ​0.005).

CONCLUSION

LAR is broadly applied in orthopaedics but its rate of use is not homogeneous. Outcomes and perceived benefits vary depending on factors such as surgeon specialty and treatment population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Internal Bracing Repair Technique for High-Grade Partial Proximal Tears in the Throwing Athlete

The use of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair with concomitant internal bracing for throwing athletes is a viable treatment option, but must take into account tear location, ligament quality, the expected length of the athlete's career, desire to advance to the next level of competition, and age. There has been increased interest in repair of UCL injuries in overhead athletes due to advancements in surgical technique, as well as improved technologies of anchor and suture material. In addition, return to sport can be accelerated compared to reconstruction. In this Technical Note, we demonstrate an ulnar collateral ligament repair technique, with internal bracing augmentation for high-grade partial proximal tears in the throwing athlete that is reliable, strong, and easily reproducible.

Suture Augmentation in Orthopaedic Surgery Offers Improved Time-Zero Biomechanics and Promising Short-Term Clinical Outcomes

Ligament and tendon ruptures have historically been addressed with varying techniques involving either repair or reconstruction. More recently, the potential biomechanical benefits of suture augmentation (SA), also known as internal brace, have attracted substantial attention and helped renew interest in ligament repair surgery. We evaluated the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of SA-based techniques in the following sports medicine procedures: medial ulnar collateral ligament repair of the elbow, thumb collateral ligament repair, anterior cruciate ligament repair, Achilles' tendon repair, and deltoid ligament repair. Published data on the use of SA to augment repairs of the ulnar collateral ligament, thumb collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, Achilles' tendon, and deltoid ligament repair demonstrates improved time-zero biomechanical and promising short to mid-term clinical outcomes. However, surgeons must be wary of potential complications, including joint over-constraint, nerve paresthesia, and infection.

Role of the posterior deep deltoid ligament in ankle fracture stability: A biomechanical cadaver study

BACKGROUND

The deltoid ligament is a key component of ankle fracture stability. Clinical tests to assess deltoid ligament injury have low specificity. In supination external-rotation (SER) type-IV ankle fractures, there is either a medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury. These injuries are often considered unstable, requiring surgical stabilisation. We look to identify the anatomical basis for this instability. This study investigates the anatomical basis for such instability by re-creating SER type ankle fractures in a standardised cadaveric study model, investigating the anatomical basis for such instability.

AIM

To investigate the anatomical basis for fracture instability in SER type ankle fractures.

METHODS

Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs were tested for stability both when axially loaded and under external rotation stress. Four matched pairs of cadaveric limbs (8 specimens) were tested for stability when axially loaded to 750 N with a custom rig. Specimens were tested through increasing stages of SER injury in a stepwise fashion before restoring the lateral side with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Clinical photographs and radiographs were recorded at each step. We defined instability in accordance with well accepted radiological parameters: > 4 mm medial clear space opening on a mortise-view radiograph or > 7 degrees of talar tilt.

RESULTS

All specimens with an intact posterior deep deltoid ligament were stable. Once the posterior deep deltoid ligament was sectioned there was instability in all specimens. Stabilisation of the lateral side prevented talar shift, but not talar tilt.

CONCLUSION

If the posterior deep deltoid ligament is intact then SER fractures can be managed without surgery. If the posterior deep deltoid is incompetent, ORIF and cautious rehabilitation is recommended because the talus can still tilt in the mortise.

Outcomes After Hamstring ACL Reconstruction With Suture Tape Reinforcement in Adolescent Athletes

Background:

Previous studies have suggested that suture tape-reinforced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts may have higher ultimate failure loads without stress-shielding. In patients at high risk for graft failure, such as adolescents, the addition of suture tape could have beneficial outcomes.

Hypothesis:

Suture tape reinforcement (STR) of ACL grafts in adolescent patients would lead to fewer graft ruptures during early recovery, without hindering subjective outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on adolescent patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up after hamstring tendon autograft ACL reconstruction; enrolled were patients from both before (n = 40) and after (n = 40) a shift in surgical technique that added STR. Both the no-STR and the STR cohorts were contacted yearly to obtain patient-reported outcome data for visual analog scale (VAS; range, 0-10) for pain score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, patient satisfaction score (range, 0-100), and return to previous level of sport (yes/no). The cohorts were then matched based on follow-up duration, excluding those with follow-up of <2 years and >3 years to maintain consistency in duration of follow-up. Graft failure was defined as either graft rupture or recurrent instability symptoms, and failures occurring from index procedure to the 3-year mark were recorded for calculations of failure rate.

Results:

There were no differences between cohorts in mean age [STR, 15.7 years (range, 9.5-18.7 years); no STR, 14.9 years (range, 9.3-18.8 years)], follow-up duration, laterality, or graft size. While not statistically significant, 2 (5%) patients in the STR cohort experienced graft rupture compared with 7 (17.5%) patients in the no-STR cohort. The Tegner score was significantly higher in the STR cohort (P = .017); no between-group differences were seen on the other outcome scores. A subanalysis of the STR cohort comparing small-diameter grafts (<8 mm) with grafts ≥8 mm also demonstrated no difference in outcome measures, with 1 graft failure in each cohort.

Conclusion:

Study outcomes indicated that patients treated with ACL reconstruction and STR experienced a significant improvement in Tegner scores while at the same time maintaining the other subjective outcomes.

Suture Tape Augmentation in Lateral Ankle Ligament Surgery: Current Concepts Review

Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) is a condition that is characterized by persistent disability and recurrent ankle sprains while encompassing both functional and mechanical (laxity) instability. Failure of conservative treatment for CLAI often necessitates operative intervention to restore the stability of the ankle joint. The traditional or modified Broström techniques have been the gold standard operative approaches to address CLAI with satisfactory results; however, patients with generalized ligament laxity (GLL), prior unsuccessful repair, high body mass index, or high-demand athletes may experience suboptimal outcomes. Synthetic ligament constructs have been tested as an adjunct to orthopedic procedures to reinforce repaired or reconstructed ligaments or tendons with the hope of early mobilization, faster rehabilitation, and long-term prevention of instability. Suture tape augmentation is useful to address CLAI. Multiple operative techniques have been described. Because of the heterogeneity among the reported techniques and variability in postoperative rehabilitation protocols, it is difficult to evaluate whether the use of suture tape augmentation provides true clinical benefit in patients with CLAI. This review aims to provide a comprehensive outline of all the current techniques using suture tape augmentation for treatment of CLAI as well as present recent research aimed at guiding evidence-based protocols.

Quantitative Analysis of Deltoid Ligament Degradation in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability Using Computed Tomographic Images

BACKGROUND

Rotational ankle instability (RAI) is associated with the faster onset of severe ankle osteoarthritis via dysfunction of the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, and deltoid ligament. No specific clinical examination is available for RAI, and diagnostic imaging has limitations in evaluating ligament degradation. This study investigated the deltoid ligament degeneration using Hounsfield unit (HU) values on computed tomography (CT) images.

METHODS

Patients were enrolled in this retrospective analysis if they had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scans of the ankle. The chronic ankle instability (CAI) group comprised 20 ankles with CAI (9 men, 11 women; mean age, 28.7 years) and the control group comprised 28 ankles (16 men, 12 women, mean age, 41.3 years). The average HU values of the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTL) that constitutes the deltoid ligament were measured on coronal CT images, and MRI results were used as a reference. All patients were subdivided based on the MRI findings of dPTL injury such as fascicular disruption, irregularity, and the loss of striation.

RESULTS

A strong negative correlation was identified between age and HU values for all patients (Spearman ρ = -0.63; P < .001). The mean HU values of the dPTL for participants aged <60 years were 81.0 HU for the control group (21 ankles) and 69.5 HU for the CAI group (P = .0075). No significant differences in the HU values were observed for the dPTL among the MRI subgroups.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the conventional imaging examination such as stress radiographs and MRI, HU measurements of CT images could be useful for quantitatively and noninvasively evaluating degenerative changes in the deltoid ligament for CAI patients to assist the diagnosis of RAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. case-control study.

Ankle and syndesmosis instability: consensus and controversies

Ankle sprains are mainly benign lesions, but if not well addressed can evolve into permanent disability. A non-treated lateral, syndesmotic or medial ankle instability can evolve into ankle osteoarthritis. For this reason, diagnosis and treatment of these entities is of extreme importance.In general, acute instabilities undergo conservative treatment, while chronic instabilities are better addressed with surgical treatment. It is important to identify which acute instabilities are better treated with early surgical treatment.Syndesmosis injuries are frequently overlooked and represent a cause for persistent pain in ankle sprains. Unstable syndesmotic lesions are always managed by surgery.Non-treated deltoid ligament ruptures can evolve into a progressive valgus deformity of the hindfoot, due to its links with the spring ligament complex. This concept would give new importance to the diagnosis and treatment of acute medial ligament lesions.Multi-ligament lesions are usually unstable and are better treated with early surgery. A high suspicion rate is required, especially for combined syndesmotic and medial lesions or lateral and medial lesions.Ankle arthroscopy is a powerful tool for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. It is becoming mandatory in the management of ankle instabilities and multiple arthroscopic lateral/syndesmotic/medial repair techniques are emerging. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:420-431. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210017.

State of the Art in Treatment of Chronic Medial Ankle Instability

Chronic deltoid instability (CDI), or medial ankle instability, can happen following traumas of the foot and ankle, predominantly rotational injuries. CDI is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Long-term residual instability can lead to ankle posttraumatic arthritis. Adequate assessment of patients with suspected CDI is paramount. Conservative treatment can be tried for stable or mildly unstable cases, but surgical treatment is usually needed for the more severely unstable patients, or when conservative measures fail. Few reconstruction techniques have been proposed in the setting of posttraumatic CDI. This article describes our preferred technique for reconstruction of the deep components of the deltoid ligament.

The Failed Deltoid Ligament in the Valgus Misaligned Ankle-How to Treat?

This article deals with the treatment of a chronically failed deltoid ligament complex in the valgus misaligned ankle. This is a challenging task in every orthopedic foot and ankle surgery. Before embarking on any surgery that relates to the deltoid ligament complex, it is mandatory to analyze any underlying cause that could promote the impairment. Once this is done, it might be of value in considering anatomic reconstructions. The article provides an anatomic reconstruction technique, which should help address the problem.

Current Concepts in Treatment of Acute Deltoid Instability

Although far less common than lateral ankle injuries, medial ankle sprains have been reported to result in significantly greater time lost and long-term disability when not diagnosed and treated accurately. Adequate diagnosis is paramount and the most important aspect is to determine whether the lesion is stable or unstable. Evidence confronting surgical versus conservative treatment in acute deltoid ligament lesions is largely anchored in the setting of ankle fractures. Ultimately treatment decisions rely on the clinical and imaging appraisal of each individual patient. This article discusses the isolated acute deltoid ligament impairment.

Allograft Deltoid Reconstruction for Chronic Deltoid Disruption in a High-Level Military Operator: A Case Report

We present a unique case of chronic deltoid ligament disruption in a 34-year-old high-level military operator with a 12-month history of acute-onset medial ankle pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an isolated chronic disruption of the superficial and deep deltoid ligament. The patient was managed operatively with a semitendinosus allograft. No complications were observed during the intra- or perioperative periods. At 12-month follow-up, the patient reported near-complete pain resolution and was able to return to unrestricted active duty. Use of allograft ligamentous reconstruction of the deltoid ligament in a highly active soldier was successful, allowing return to unrestricted active duty.

Medial and Lateral Combined Ligament Arthroscopic Repair for Multidirectional Ankle Instability

Background:

The high prevalence of ankle sprains in the population produces a significant number of patients with lateral instability. Persistence of this condition may lead to the progressive involvement of medial structures, causing a multidirectional rotational instability.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study with patients diagnosed with multidirectional instability who underwent ankle arthroscopy with medial (arthroscopic tensioning) and lateral repair (arthroscopic Bröstrom) between January 2018 and January 2020. All patients were evaluated for pain and function according to the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Score at a mean of 14.8 months (5-27 months) in follow-up. A total of 30 ankles (29 patients) were included in the study.

Results:

The AOFAS score increase from a 49.7 (CI 5.8) to a 91.9 (CI 2.4) mean (P = .001) and was followed by significant improvement in the mean VAS score (6.8, CI 0.37-0.95, CI 0.31). The majority of patients had associated procedures (53.3%), and a low complication rate was found (16.6%).

Conclusion:

Combined medial and lateral arthroscopic repair might be an effective and safe alternative in the treatment of multidirectional instability. Inclusion of the deltoid ligament complex and the low invasiveness of the arthroscopic technique may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Role of surgery in the management of lesions of the medial collateral ligament of the ankle

Medial ankle instability is likely underestimated. Three types of medial collateral ligament (MCL) lesion exist: isolated lesions, in case of valgus sprain in external rotation; lesions associated with chronic lateral instability, in case of rotational instability; and lesions associated with medial insufficiency and valgus flat-foot. Diagnostic confirmation and treatment of MCL lesions, isolated or associated with chronic lateral instability, by ligament suture is at present largely arthroscopic. Chronic MCL lesions with valgus flat-foot are probably irreversible: ligament reconstruction is unreliable, and bone surgery (osteotomy, fusion) is required.