Percutaneous lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using a split peroneus longus tendon free graft: technical tip

Anatomic Variations of the Calcaneofibular Ligament

BACKGROUND

The lateral ankle joint comprises the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The purpose of this study was to propose a classification of CFL morphology.

METHODS

The material comprised 120 paired lower limbs from human cadavers (30 male, 30 female), mean age 62.3 years. The morphology was carefully assessed, and morphometric measurements were performed.

RESULTS

A 4-part method for anatomic classification can be suggested based on our study. Type 1 (48.3%), the most common type, was characterized by a bandlike morphology. Type 2 (9.2%) was characterized by a Y-shaped band, and type 3 (21.7%) by a V-shaped band. Type 4 (20.8%) was characterized by the presence of 2 or 3 bands. Type 2 and 4 were divided into further subtypes based on origin footprint.

CONCLUSION

The aim of our study was to describe variations of calcaneofibular ligament. Our proposed 4-part classification may be of value in clinical practice in future recognition of CFL injuries and in its repair or reconstruction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The anatomy of the CFL plays an important role in stability of the ankle. Greater recognition of anatomical variation may help improve reconstructive options for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.

Loosening of the anterolateral capsule affects the stability after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair of chronic ankle instability

PURPOSE

Arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) has been widely performed. The recurrence of the instability after the surgery sometimes occurs, which may cause the development of osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is important to elucidate the factors of the recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the loosening of the capsule in the MRI and whether it affected clinical outcomes or not in arthroscopic ATFL repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-eight ankles in 35 patients with CLAI treated by arthroscopic lateral ligament repair were included. The capsule protrusion area defined as the area that protruded ATFL laterally from the line connecting the fibula and talus attachment on MRI was measured. Capsule protrusion area in ankles with or without CLAI was compared and the relationships between it and clinical outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

The capsule protrusion area in the CLAI group (74.2 ± 36.4 mm2) was significantly larger than that in the control (25.5 ± 14.3 mm2) (p < 0.01). The capsule protrusion area in the poor remnant group (93.8 ± 36.4 mm2) was significantly larger than that in the excellent (53.2 ± 40.3 mm2) (p < 0.05). The capsule protrusion area in the patients with recurrent instability (99.8 ± 35.2 mm2) was significantly larger than that without recurrent instability (62.4 ± 30.9 mm2) (p < 0.01). Clinical scores in the recurrent group were significantly lower than those in the non-recurrent group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsule loosening would be one of the causes of the recurrence of instability after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair. Evaluation of the capsule protrusion area on MRI is helpful to choose appropriate surgical procedures for CLAI patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Anatomical variations of the calcaneofibular ligament in human foetuses

Ligaments anatomy often show a huge anatomy variations between species and individuals. For example calcaneofibular ligaments (CFL) characterize the great variability of morphological shape or presence of additional bands. The aim of this study was to propose first anatomical classification of CFL concerning on human fetuses. We investigated thirty spontaneously-aborted human fetuses aged 18-38 weeks of gestation at death. Sixty lower limbs (30 left and 30 right) fixed in 10% formalin solution were examined. The morphological variability of CFL was assessed. Four types of CFL morphology were observed. Type I was characterized by a band shape. This was the most common type, occurring in 53% of all cases. Based on our study we are proposing a classification based on four morphological types of CFL. Types 2 and 4 are further divided into subtypes. Present classification may be useful to better understand the anatomical development of ankle joint.

Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using allograft tendon and suspensory fixation for chronic lateral ankle instability with poor remnant quality: results and complications

PURPOSE

Treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) with poor remnant quality is challenging. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical results and complications of anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using allograft tendon and suspensory fixation in the treatment of such patients.

METHODS

One hundred and eight patients with CLAI, who were treated surgically using anatomic reconstruction with allograft tendon and suspensory fixation between April 2016 and January 2018 at our hospital, were retrospectively analysed. None of the patients had sufficient ligament remnants for the modified Broström procedure during the intraoperative evaluation. Eighteen patients were excluded. Seventeen patients were lost to follow-up and 73 patients completed the study. The mean duration of instability symptoms was 39.1 months (range, 6-480 months). The mean follow-up time was 57.5 months (range, 48-69 months). Clinical results were evaluated using the Karlsson scoring scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society-Ankle and Hindfoot (AOFAS-AH) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), patients' subjective satisfaction, and incidence of complications. Mechanical stability was evaluated using the varus talar tilt angle (TTA) and anterior talar displacement (ATD).

RESULTS

The AOFAS-AH scores significantly improved from 67.7 ± 8.5 points to 89.8 ± 9.5 (p < 0.001). The Karlsson scoring scales evolved from 58.8 ± 16.5 to 88.4 ± 11.2 (p < 0.001). VAS scores significantly decreased from 2.9 ± 1.3 to 1.1 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001). On stress radiographs, TTA decreased from 15.1 ± 2.5 degrees to 5.8 ± 2.1 degrees (p < 0.001), whereas ATD reduced from 13.4 ± 2.9 mm to 5.7 ± 1.5 mm (p < 0.001). Patients' subjective satisfaction indicated 46 excellent, 20 good, 5 fair, and 2 bad results. Postoperatively, 15 cases (20.5%) did not achieve complete relief of discomfort or swelling, 9 cases (12.3%) experienced joint stiffness or decreased range of motion, and 6 cases (8.2%) had soft tissue irritation. Residual instability and reoperation are rare. Allograft rejection or wound infection was not observed.

CONCLUSION

For the CLAI patients with poor remnant quality, anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments using allograft tendon and suspensory fixation is an effective procedure, while the top three complications in incidence were residual discomfort, joint stiffness, and soft tissue irritation.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tendon Regeneration After Partial-Thickness Peroneus Longus Tendon Harvesting: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation and In Vivo Animal Study

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the use of the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon (AHPLT) as an autograft source for ligament reconstruction has gained popularity. However, no reports are available regarding tendon regeneration after harvesting of the AHPLT.

HYPOTHESIS

When half of the tendon is preserved during tendon harvesting, the quality of the regenerated tendon is better than that of the regenerated tendon after full-thickness harvesting.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4; controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

A total of 21 patients who underwent AHPLT harvesting for lower extremity ligament reconstruction participated in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to evaluate tendon regeneration 1 year after the harvesting. An in vivo animal study was performed to compare the quality of the regenerated tendon after partial-thickness and full-thickness tendon harvesting. A total of 30 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to 2 groups-15 rats underwent partial-thickness Achilles tendon harvesting (partial-thickness harvesting [PTH] group), and 15 rats underwent full-thickness Achilles tendon harvesting (full-thickness harvesting [FTH] group). The quality of the regenerated tendons was compared 180 days after tendon harvesting.

RESULTS

All 21 patients showed regeneration of the peroneus longus tendon (PLT) (homogeneously dark on both T1- and T2-weighted sequences). The cross-sectional area of the regenerated tendon divided by that of the preoperative tendon was 92.6% and 84.5% at 4 cm and 9 cm proximal to the tip of the distal fibula, respectively. In the animal study, the mean histologic score was better for the PTH group compared with the FTH group (9.17 ± 1.35 vs 14.72 ± 0.74; P < .001). The ultimate strength and the stiffness of the regenerated Achilles tendon were significantly higher for the PTH group compared with the FTH group (35.5 ± 8.3 vs 22.4 ± 8.3 N, P = .004; and 31.6 ± 7.7 vs 23.5 ± 4.8 N/mm, P = .016).

CONCLUSION

The PLT was found to regenerate after partial-thickness harvesting on MRI. In the animal study, the quality of the regenerated tendon when half of the tendon was preserved during tendon harvesting was better than that after full-thickness tendon harvesting.

The calcaneofibular ligament has distinct anatomic morphological variants: an anatomical cadaveric study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate if the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) presents morphologic variants and measure the morphometrics of the ligament and its footprints METHODS: An anatomical study of 47 fresh-frozen below-the-knee ankle specimens was performed. Lateral ankle structures were dissected to expose the CFL. Overdissection was avoided to not modify the native morphology. The morphology (number and orientation of CFL bundles) and measurements of CFL insertions were recorded with ankle secured in neutral position.

RESULTS

Four distinct morphological-oriented shapes of the CFL were observed. These included single bundle, Y-shape double bundle, V-shape double bundle, and associated with the lateral talocalcaneal ligament. The most frequent CFL morphology observed was the single bundle and the Y-shape double bundle, present in 21 (44.7%) and 13 (27.7%) ankles. The V-shape double bundle and the CFL double bundle associated with the lateral talocalcaneal ligaments were less common, appearing only in eight (17.0%) and five (10.6%) ankles. The CFL length was higher in single bundle and Y-shaped double bundle CFL variants, about 30 mm each. Footprint morphometrics were heterogenous amongst the different CFL variants.

CONCLUSION

The CFL presents four distinct morphological-oriented shapes. The double bundle, V-shaped and Y-shaped CFL variants are uncommon and poorly reported in the literature. Their relation to the lateral talocalcaneal ligament and the inferior fascicle of the anterior talofibular ligament requires further research. The CFL morphology provides detailed knowledge of CFL anatomy that can improve diagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this information can fine-tune graft selection and sizing and allow a more precise anatomic placement during surgical reconstruction.

Arthroscopic all-inside anterior talo-fibular ligament repair with suture augmentation gives excellent results in case of poor ligament tissue remnant quality

PURPOSE

An increasing role of arthroscopy as the definitive treatment for ankle instability has been reported, and assisted or all-arthroscopic techniques have been developed. However, treatment of chronic ankle instability with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality is still challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the technique and report the results of the arthroscopic ATFL all-inside repair with suture augmentation to treat patients with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality.

METHODS

Fifteen patients [9 men and 6 women, median age 30 (19-47) years] with chronic ankle instability and poor remnant ligament-tissue quality were treated by arthroscopic means after failing non-operative management. Median follow-up was 18 (12-23) months. Through an arthroscopic all-inside technique, and using a suture passer and two knotless anchors, the ligament was repaired. Then, the anchor's residual suture limbs were not cut, but were recycled and used for augmentation of the ligament repair.

RESULTS

Arthroscopic examination demonstrated an isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury with poor remnant ligament tissue in the 15 patients. All patients reported subjective improvement in their ankle instability after the arthroscopic all-inside ligaments repair and suture augmentation. The median AOFAS score increased from 66 (44-87) preoperatively to 100 (85-100) at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Chronic ankle instability with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic all-inside repair and suture augmentation of the ligament. The clinical relevance of the study is the description of the first arthroscopic all-inside anatomic ATFL repair with suture augmentation that offers the benefit of maintaining the native ligament while reinforcing the repair, especially in patients with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective case series.

Percutaneous Ankle Reconstruction of Lateral Ligaments

Chronic ankle instability following ankle sprains causes pain and functional problems such as recurrent giving way. Within the 3 ligaments of the lateral ligament complex, 80% of patients tear the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), whereas the other 20% of patients tear the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Rarely, the posterior talofibular ligament is involved. An incidence of 10% to 30% of patients will fail conservative treatment and result in chronic ankle instability that may require surgical treatment. To date, numerous open surgical procedures for anatomic repair or reconstruction of ATFL and/or CFL provide good clinical results.

A new minimally invasive method for anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with a Tightrope system

BACKGROUND

Several minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction techniques of the lateral ligaments have been introduced for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. However, these strategies may not always follow accurate ligament anatomic attachments, especially in the construction of the fibular bone tunnels.

OBJECTIVES

This study reported a new percutaneous technique for reconstruction of the ligaments of lateral ankle anatomically with a Tightrope system.

METHODS

From April 2016 to August 2016, 25 ankles of 24 patients with chronic ankle instability underwent our new percutaneous anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments with a Tightrope system. The operation was performed through several small incisions. The fibular tunnel was made obliquely from the anteromedial side of lateral malleolus tip towards retro-malleolar cortex. The graft was fixed in the tunnel with the help of a Tightrope system. The calcaneal tunnel and talar tunnel were made as our previous method. The mean final follow-up was 12.2 months (range 10-14). Visual Analogue Scale for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and patients' subjective satisfaction were used to measure clinical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative stress tests were performed and radiographic parameters were measured.

RESULTS

The Visual Analogue Scale decreased from 3.0 ± 1.4 to 1.3 ± 0.8 at the last follow-up (p < 0.01). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was improved from 70.2 ± 5.4 preoperatively to 92.4 ± 5.3 at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). Radiologically, the mean anterior talar displacement was 13.1 ± 2.7 mm preoperatively versus 5.6 ± 1.3 mm at last follow-up (p < 0.01),and the mean varus talar tilt angle was 15.0° ± 2.4° preoperatively versus 5.6° ± 1.9° at the last follow-up (p < 0.01). Patients were satisfied ('excellent' or 'good') in 23 ankles (92%). Two patients reported residual instability but less apprehension than the preoperative condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle with a Tightrope system is an anatomic and effective procedure for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability.

Bony landmarks available for minimally invasive lateral ankle stabilization surgery: a cadaveric anatomical study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical utility of three bony tubercles: fibular obscure tubercle, talar obscure tubercle and tuberculum ligamenti calcaneofibularis, to serve as anatomical landmarks for defining the precise location of the origins and insertions of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).

METHODS

Twelve lower extremity cadaveric specimens were procured. The detectability of the tubercles was tested using palpation and fluoroscopy with subsequent confirmation after dissection. If the tubercles were present, then distances from the identified tubercles to the footprint centres and the intersection of the ATFL and CFL were measured to allow precise localization of the ATFL and CFL origin and intersection sites. Further, if the tubercles were not detectable, then an attempt to provide an alternative means of localizing ATFL and CFL origin and insertion sites was made by measuring distances between alternative landmarks and other important structures. All the measurements were performed by two researchers, and the results were averaged.

RESULTS

The fibular obscure tubercle existed and was detectable in all specimens. It was located 1.3 mm proximal to the articular tip of the fibula, 2.7 mm to the intersection of the ATFL and CFL, 3.7 mm distal to the ATFL and 4.9 mm proximal to the CFL origins. The talar obscure tubercle existed 58 % of specimens and was detectable in 57 %. The talar obscure tubercle was located 1.4 mm to the ATFL. The ATFL insertion point was located 60 % of the distance from the inferolateral corner to the anterolateral corner of the of talar body along the anterior border of the talar lateral articular facet. The tuberculum ligamenti calcaneofibularis existed in 33 % of specimens and was detectable in 8 %. The CFL inserted 17 mm on a perpendicular projected line distal from the subtalar joint.

CONCLUSIONS

The fibular obscure tubercle was clinically relevant and reliable bony landmark of the ATFL and CFL origin location. However, the talar obscure tubercle was less reliable and the tuberculum ligamenti calcaneofibularis was rarely available and as such alternative landmarks for the ATFL and CFL insertion location should be utilized. The present study describes the utility of clinically relevant bony landmarks that may assist in identifying the origins and insertions of the ATFL and CFL to facilitate minimally invasive ankle stabilization surgery.

Anatomy of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament for minimally invasive surgery: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To gain a better understanding of the precise anatomy of the lateral ligaments of the ankle through a systematic review of published cadaveric studies in order to improve anatomical minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and Web of Science on June 2015 with the two search concepts: "lateral ligament of the ankle" and "anatomy". Anatomical studies that reported gross anatomy of the anterior talar fibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneal fibular ligament (CFL) in English were included to assess the morphology and origins and insertions of the ligaments. All records found in the literature search were screened by title and abstract. Potentially relevant articles were selected for full-text review. Each of the identified articles was reviewed and included in qualitative synthesis. The following data were abstracted from the included articles: authors, date of publication, sample size, mean age, the length and the width of the each ligament, number of bundle of the ATFL and the location and the footprint of the origins and insertions for the ATFL and CFL.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were identified indicating the length of the ATFL and CFL was 12-24.8 and 18.5-35.8 mm, respectively, while the width was 5-11.1 and 4.6-7.6 mm, respectively. Fibular origins of the ATFL and CFL were located on the anterior border of distal fibula at a distance of 10-13.8 and 5.3-8.5 mm proximal to the tip of the fibula, respectively. The talar insertion of the ATFL was located 14.2-18.1 mm to the subtalar joint or 11.3-14.8 mm to the anterolateral corner of the talar body. The calcaneal insertion of the CFL was located 12.1-13 mm to the subtalar joint or 13.2-27.1 mm to the peroneal tubercle on the lateral wall of calcaneus.

CONCLUSION

Systematic review of the literature of the research for the ATFL and CFL has identified the morphology of the ligaments and their location of origins and insertions. This is the best available data about the ATFL and CFL which will facilitate more precise anatomical MIS for treatment of CAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, Level IV.

All Arthroscopic Remnant-Preserving Technique to Reconstruct the Lateral Ankle Ligament Complex

Arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction has been recently advocated. But this technique has not been popularized because of the technical complexity and potential iatrogenic injury. Because the talocalcaneal and calcaneofibular ligaments are extra-articular structures, how to efficiently view and address them is a difficult task. Limited dissection outside the capsule to form a working space is required, but aggressive dissection is harmful for tissue healing although it is helpful for visualization and instrumentation. Because almost the entire talar body is covered by articular cartilage, it is very difficult to safely make a bone tunnel without damaging the cartilage. The remnants of the lateral ankle ligament have proprioceptive sensors that are important for functional stability, but it is difficult to perform anatomical reconstruction arthroscopically while preserving them because of the narrow working space. Furthermore, how to properly tension the reconstructed ligaments in such a narrow working space is also a very difficult task. We have designed a technique that preserves the remnants of lateral ankle ligaments, and all of the above-mentioned problems have been successfully addressed. We have used this technique clinically, and only minor complications occurred.

Minimally invasive surgical treatment for chronic ankle instability: a systematic review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the evidence-based support for the treatment for chronic ankle instability (CAI) using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques.

METHODS

A systematic comprehensive review of the literature was performed on 4 September 2015 using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane databases and Web of Science along with the two search concepts: lateral ligament of the ankle (patients) and minimally invasive surgical procedure (intervention). Articles of clinical study on MIS for CAI were included in this review and classified into four MIS categories (arthroscopic repair, non-arthroscopic minimally invasive repair, arthroscopic reconstruction and non-arthroscopic minimally invasive reconstruction) based on the adopted surgical procedure. Included articles were reviewed and assigned a classification according to the research method quality of evidence (Level I-V evidence). Analysis of these studies was then conducted to provide a grade of recommendation for each MIS category.

RESULTS

The systematic literature review generated 430 articles, and 33 articles met our inclusion criteria. The highest recommendation was Grade C (poor-quality evidence) to support the use of the arthroscopic repair, arthroscopic reconstruction and non-arthroscopic minimally invasive reconstruction. Insufficient evidence was currently available to make any recommendation (Grade I) for non-arthroscopic minimally invasive repair category.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recent increases in publications on MIS for the treatment for CAI, there was currently poor quality of evidence that was insufficient to allow a high grade of recommendation to support the use of the MIS. This paper should stimulate those surgeons performing higher quality studies in the form of prospective and preferably randomized comparative studies that will be necessary to allow better recommendations for the treatment for CAI with MIS. The present study showed thorough evidence-based recommendation for the clinical use of the MIS based on the comprehensive review of the literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, Level IV.

Intramuscular innervations of lower leg skeletal muscles: applications in their clinical use in functional muscular transfer

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate nerve distribution patterns of human lower leg skeletal muscles using a modified Sihler's staining method.

METHODS

Sixteen lower leg from eight fresh adult cadavers were used in this study and all the skeletal muscles were dissected. The muscle specimens were classified according to Lim's classification. The specimens were then stained by further modified Sihler's staining technique. Data were analyzed according to research results.

RESULTS

After the staining, we found four patterns of nerve distribution in human lower leg muscles: (1) Type 1: single nerve pattern in which the nerve branches into two either running parallel to each other or radiating in a spray pattern (such as the extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, fibularis brevis and flexor hallucis longus). (2) Type 2: double nerve pattern, one being proximal and the other being distal (such as the extensor digitorum longus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus). (3) Type 3: multiple branch pattern (such as the tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, gastrocnemius, soleus, tibialis anterior and popliteus).

CONCLUSION

Our modified Sihler's staining method is useful for research of large muscles and intramuscular nerves in human. These findings might provide guidance for clinicians for muscle reconstruction surgery.

Minimal Invasive Suture-Tape Augmentation for Chronic Ankle Instability

BACKGROUND

Although the modified Brostrom procedure has had excellent clinical results, postoperative complications such as skin irritation by suture material and problematic scar formation occur. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of mini-open ligament augmentation (internal brace technique) using suture tape for chronic ankle instability in a select cohort of patients.

METHODS

Thirty-four young female patients with less than 70 kg of body weight were followed for more than 2 years after suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability. The clinical evaluation consisted of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score, Sefton grading system, and the period to return to various activities. Measurement of talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation was obtained from stress radiographs to evaluate the longevity of mechanical ankle stability.

RESULTS

FAOS and FAAM scores had significantly improved to 92.5 points at final follow-up (P < .001). According to the Sefton grading, 31 cases (91.2%) achieved satisfactory functional results. The period to return to exercise was on average 10.2 weeks for jogging and 9.6 weeks for walking on uneven ground. The average subjective satisfaction score of patients was 93.8 points, and satisfaction with the scar was 98.5 points. Talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had significantly improved to an average of 4.5 degrees and 4.1 mm, respectively, at final follow-up (P < .001). There were no complications such as skin irritation and wound infection, except for 1 case of chronic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimally invasive suture tape augmentation seems to be an effective alternative for young women with chronic ankle instability. Because there is a possibility of progressive elongation over time, the longevity of mechanical ankle stability and the proper indication for using the internal brace technique should be addressed in future studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series study.