Lateral ankle ligament anatomic reconstruction for chronic ankle instability: Allograft or autograft? A systematic review

High incidence of post-operative re-sprain following suture tape implantation for anterior talofibular ligament insufficiency and risk factors for post-operative re-sprain

PURPOSE

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) insufficiency encompasses situations in which (i) frequent sprains cause ATFL loss, as evidenced by ATFL non-visualization on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging; or (ii) minimal healthy ATFL tissue for repair is left after the removal of the large os subfibulare. Suture tape implantation can be indicated for these cases rather than conventional ligament repair. This study was designed to investigate the incidence of post-operative re-sprain in patients who underwent suture tape implantation for ATFL insufficiency, and risk factors influencing the occurrence of post-operative re-sprain were identified.

METHODS

A total of 68 patients who underwent suture tape implantation for ATFL insufficiency from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The minimum follow-up duration for inclusion was 2 years after surgery. All included patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of post-operative re-sprain during the follow-up period. Multiple clinico-radiographic parameters were measured, and binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing post-operative re-sprain.

RESULTS

Post-operative re-sprain occurred in 19 of the 68 patients (27.9%), and multiple re-sprains persisted in 7 patients (10.3%). Post-operative re-sprain was more likely to occur in patients who smoked after surgery (odds ratio [OR], 3.510), had generalized ligament laxity (OR, 4.364) and engaged in occupations requiring high physical activity levels (OR, 4.421), including soldiers, professional athletes, student-athletes and mailmen.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of multiple post-operative re-sprains was high after suture tape implantation for ATFL insufficiency. Caution is particularly warranted in patients with risk factors, necessitating meticulous attention to their care. Careful consideration of strategies to mitigate risks when performing the surgery is also recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Comparison of Direct Repair Versus Anatomic Graft Reconstruction of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study

The goal of our study is to compare the stability of the anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) with direct repair of the ATFL, in a cadaver model. We performed the following techniques in 18 cadaveric ankles: the intact ATFL was cut, after which a direct repair using 2 anchors was performed. The repair was sectioned, and anatomic reconstruction was then performed with a tendon autograft. We measured angular displacement in 3 anatomic planes (axial, coronal, sagittal) for each situation in response to the anterior drawer test (ADT), talar tilt test (TTT) and pivot test (PT), using a specifically constructed arthrometer. The sectioned ATFL was inferior to the intact ATFL in the axial plane with the ADT (p = .012), in the axial plane with the PT (p = .001) and in the axial and coronal planes with the TTT (p = .013 and p = .016, respectively). Direct anatomic repair was inferior to the intact ATFL in the axial plane upon the PT (p = .009). No differences could be found between anatomic graft reconstructions and the intact ATFL with any manoeuver, nor when comparing anatomic graft reconstruction and direct repair with 2 anchors. We were able to conclude that anatomic graft reconstruction of the ATFL reproduces angular stability of the native ligament in a cadaver model. While we could not detect if anatomic graft reconstruction was superior to direct repair, the latter proved to be less stable in the axial plane upon internal rotation (pivot test) versus the intact ATFL.

Chronic lateral ankle ligament instability - Current evidence and recent management advances

Lateral ankle sprain is a common injury with a substantial negative impact on physical function, quality of life and health economic burden. Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) as a sequela of lateral ankle sprain can lead to the development of posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis in the long term. In this article, we explore the epidemiology, burden and definition of CLAI for the appropriate clinical assessment and imaging evaluation of patients with lateral ankle sprain and CLAI. Following that, recent advances and evidence on management of CLAI is critically distilled and summarized.

Lateral ankle instability - repair/ reconstruct what's new

Lateral ankle instability is a common condition which responds well to non-surgical management. However, the chronic symptomatic instability may require surgical intervention. The acceptable and practiced procedure is the Brostom Gould modification and it has a high patient satisfaction score. However, the current understanding and newer techniques for stabilising the lateral ligament complex has resulted in arthroscopic repairs, augmentation and tendon graft reconstructions. The literature does not provide an answer to the efficacy of these new techniques but there is some preliminary information favouring some of the latest procedures. It is now accepted practise to include ankle arthroscopy as a pre repair step. Augmentation of anatomical repair is also favoured in a select group of patients. This article provides an up to date account of the newer techniques for lateral ankle stabilisation.

Re-injury after arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments treated by a new arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction failures are increasingly frequent. To our knowledge no reports of using a new arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction with a gracilis autograft to treat an ankle re-injury have been described.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 19-year-old man presented with a right ankle injury resulting in isolated lateral ankle instability. The clinical examination showed significant laxity. The MRI confirmed a grade 3 tear of the lateral ligament complex. Arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction with a gracilis autograft was performed and the patient was able to return to all of his activities. Eighteen months after the primary reconstruction, he had another high-energy injury. Despite rehabilitation, he experienced isolated lateral instability. Arthrography confirmed graft failure. The patient underwent a new anatomical reconstruction with the controlateral gracilis autograft, with no difficulties. At 6 months, he had returned to all of his activities, with no limitations or discomfort.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Articular hypermobility, hindfoot varus and/or excess weight should be looked for or treated to explain the graft failure. Other therapeutic options are possible for revision surgery such as non-anatomical tenodesis, allografts or artificial ligaments.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle with a new arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction procedure seems to be feasible. Other studies are needed to define the therapeutic strategy for ligament reconstruction graft failures.

Double-bundle reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament by partial peroneal brevis tendon

BACKGROUND

Anatomic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction with autologous single-bundle tendon has been widely used in the treatment of ATFL injury. However, there are few clinical reports of using the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT) for double-bundle ATFL reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of double-bundle ATFL reconstruction with PBT.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with ATFL injury presenting from August 2019 to December 2021. Fifty-three patients were selected after screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The following data were compared before and after surgery: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), the pain interference (PI) and physical function (PF) scores of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), the diameter and width of PBT in ultrasound and muscle strength.

RESULTS

All functional scores (VAS, PI/PF, AO-FAS, KAFS) and muscle strength were significantly improved at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The diameter and width of the PBT on ultrasound postoperation were smaller than those preoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Double-bundle ATFL reconstruction with the partial PBT technique is a feasible, anatomic reconstruction technique for chronic lateral instability of the ankle, which meets the anatomical characteristics of the double bundle of the ligament, and the absence of partial PBT does not affect the peroneal muscle strength.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Diagnostic value of the posterior talofibular ligament area for chronic lateral ankle instability

An injured posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) is one of the reasons for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Previous researches have demonstrated that the PTFL thickness (PTFLT) is associated with chronic ligament injuries. However, ligament hypertrophy is different from ligament thickness. Thus, we created the PTFL cross-sectional area (PTFLCSA) as a diagnostic image parameter to assess the hypertrophy of the whole PTFL. We assumed that the PTFLCSA is a key morphological diagnostic parameter in CLAI. PTFL data were obtained from 15 subjects with CLAI and from 16 normal individuals. The T1-weighted axial ankle-MR (A-MR) images were acquired at the level of PTFL. We measured the PTFLT and PTFLCSA at the posterior aspect of the ankle using our imaging analysis program. The PTFLT was measured as the thickness between point of anterior and posterior fiber of PTFL. The PTFLCSA was calculated as the whole cross-sectional PTFL area. The average PTFLT was 3.43 ± 0.52 mm in the healthy group and 4.89 ± 0.80 mm in the CLAI group. The mean PTFLCSA was 41.06 ± 12.18 mm 2 in the healthy group and 80.41 ± 19.14 mm 2 in the CLAI group. CLAI patients had significantly greater PTFLT ( P < .001) and PTFLCSA ( P < .001) than the healthy group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the optimal cutoff score of the PTFLT was 4.19 mm, with 93.3% sensitivity, 93.7% specificity, and an area under the curve of 0.97. The most suitable cutoff value of the PTFLCSA was 61.15 mm 2 , with 93.3% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and area under the curve of 0.99. Even though the PTFLT and PTFLCSA were both significantly associated with CLAI, the PTFLCSA was a more exact morphological measurement parameter.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Treated With Tendon Allografting: A Preliminary Comparison of Arthroscopic and Open Anatomic Ligament Reconstruction

Background:

Roughly 30% of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) have long-lasting painful instability requiring surgical intervention. Ligament reconstruction with the traditional open method and using tendon allografts can provide sufficient mechanical stability for severe CLAI. Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allograft has recently been introduced to treat CLAI.

Purpose:

In this study, we describe an arthroscopic ligament reconstruction procedure involving the use of the tendon allograft for patients with CLAI, and we compare the efficacy of this procedure with open ligament reconstruction with tendon allograft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We enrolled 10 patients (4 men and 6 women) with CLAI (mean age, 37.3 years; range, 16-57 years) who underwent arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allografting between November 2017 and June 2019. The control group consisted of 10 patients who received open tendon allograft reconstruction. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), pain visual analog scale (VAS), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and Tegner activity score (TAS).

Results:

The mean operative time was 118 and 110 minutes in the arthroscopic and open groups, respectively. At 2-year follow-up, scores on the AOFAS improved significantly compared with preoperatively, from 71.3 to 96.4 (P = .006) in the arthroscopic group, and from 68.6 to 96.7 (P = .005) in the open group. The postoperative AOFAS, VAS, KAFS, and SF-12 scores did not differ significantly between the 2 groups; however, the TAS score was significantly higher in the arthroscopic reconstruction group compared with in the open group (7 vs 6.1, respectively; P = .01).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction with tendon allografting resulted in sufficient ankle stability and no donor-site morbidity. This procedure can yield similar functional outcomes to open reconstruction technique and may be an option for the management of CLAI.

Anatomic reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments: is there an optimal graft option?

PURPOSE

Different graft options are available for the reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments to treat chronic ankle instability (CAI), which fall in two categories: allografts and autografts. This study aims to provide an updated comparison of the clinical outcomes after stabilisation procedures using allografts and autografts, to correctly advise the clinician during the choice of the best material to be used for the reconstruction of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to analyse the use of autografts and allografts for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle in CAI patients. The presence of a postoperative assessment through outcome measures with proofs of validation in the CAI population or patient's subjective evaluation on the treatment were necessary for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed through the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). Relevant clinical outcome data were pooled to provide a synthetic description of the results in different groups or after different procedures.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies (autograft: 19; allograft: 9; both procedures: 1) accounting for 930 procedures (autograft: 616; allograft: 314) were included. The average mCMS was 55.9 ± 10.5 points. The Karlsson-Peterson scale was the most frequently reported outcome scale, showing a cumulative average post- to preoperative difference of 31.9 points in the autograft group (n = 379, 33.8 months follow-up) and of 35.7 points in the allograft group (n = 227, 25.8 months follow-up). Patient satisfaction was good or excellent in 92.8% of autograft (n = 333, 65.2 months follow-up) and in 92.3% of allograft procedures (n = 153, 25.0 months follow-up). Return to activity after surgery and recurrence of instability were variably reported across the studies with no clear differences between allograft and autograft highlighted by these outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic analysis of validated CAI outcome measures and the patient's subjective satisfaction does not support a specific choice between autograft and allograft for the reconstruction of the ankle lateral ligamentous complex in CAI patients. Both types of grafts were associated to a postoperative Karlsson-Peterson score superior to 80 points and to a similar rate of patient's subjective satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Allograft lateral collateral ligament reconstruction for bilateral chronic varus instability of the hallux interphalangeal joint: A case report and literature review

The hallux interphalangeal joint (HIPJ) is anatomically stable in the transverse plane. Therefore, chronic varus instability of this joint is an extremely rare condition. For symptomatic patients, surgical reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament is a mobility-sparing option. To date, only lateral collateral ligament reconstruction using autograft tendon has been reported. We present a case of bilateral chronic varus instability of HIPJ in a Taekwondo player, who underwent lateral collateral ligament reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft.

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.

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.

Does the Association of Microfractures for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Affect the Outcome Following Arthroscopic Treatment for Chronic Ankle Instability?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively compare the outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage with those who underwent both arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage and arthroscopic osteochondral lesion (OCL) treatment with microfractures. Our hypothesis was that the simultaneous treatment does not negatively affect the outcome of the combined surgical procedure by influencing the postoperative rehabilitation protocol and does not significantly differ from capsular shrinkage alone in terms of subjective and objective outcomes.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with chronic ankle instability were treated at our department from 2004 to 2012 and reviewed retrospectively. Forty-two patients underwent arthroscopic thermal-assisted capsular shrinkage (group A), and 34 patients underwent combined arthroscopic capsular shrinkage and microfractures for OCL lesions of the talus (group B). All patients underwent a four-step surgical procedure including synovectomy, debridement, capsular shrinkage, and bracing and nonweightbearing for 21 days. In patients with OCL lesions, microfractures of the OCL were associated. Clinical assessment included objective examination, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot scoring system, Karlsson-Peterson score, Tegner activity level, and Sefton articular stability scale.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 6 years (range, 2-9 years). The median postoperative visual analogue scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and Tegner score were improved from the preoperative level for both groups (P < .001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for the subjective scores and satisfaction rate (P = not significant). Similarly, no significant difference regarding the incidence of range-of-motion restriction was reported between the two groups (P = not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of microfractures for the treatment of osteochondral lesions does not affect the outcome following arthroscopic treatment for chronic ankle instability up to 6 years from surgery.

Autograft versus allograft tenodesis for chronic ankle instability: a single-center retrospective comparative study

Aim: To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent autograft tenodesis with those who underwent allograft tenodesis for the treatment of chronic mechanical ankle instability. Patients & methods: Ten patients who underwent allograft lateral tenodesis were compared with 15 patients who underwent lateral tenodesis using a split peroneus brevis tendon. Patients were followed up after an average time of 10.5 years. Results: No statistically significant differences concerning American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Karlsson-Peterson scores were reported (p = n.s.). A reduced average radiographic anterior talar translation was observed in the autograft group compared with the allograft group (1.4 and 4.0 mm respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both surgical techniques significantly improved subjective and objective outcomes in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability compared with pre-operatory status. Autograft stabilization provided reduced post-operative anterior talar translation compared with allograft tenodesis.

Hamstring Autograft for Lateral Ligament Stabilization

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper seeks to review the current literature and trends regarding use of hamstring autograft for lateral ankle instability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft has been found to be an effective method to treat ankle instability in terms of patient-reported outcomes and objective measures. Biomechanically, reconstruction has been shown to be stronger (load to failure) when compared with the Broström procedure. Clinical studies have demonstrated non-inferiority when compared with the Broström procedure, with one synthetic reconstruction technique demonstrating superior outcomes. Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft is especially useful in patients who are at high risk of failure (insufficient soft tissue available for repair, ligamentous laxity, previous failed ligament repair, ossicle > 1 cm, or in the heavier, high-demand athletes).