Activity Level and Function 2 Years After Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair: A Comparison Between Arthroscopic Repair and Open Repair Procedures

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 2044-2051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Li ◽  
Yinghui Hua ◽  
Hongyun Li ◽  
Kui Ma ◽  
Shengkun Li ◽  
...  

Background: The open modified Broström anatomic repair technique is widely accepted as the reference standard for lateral ankle stabilization. Despite recent increases in publications regarding arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) for treatment of chronic ankle instability, research is lacking that compares the functional outcomes between arthroscopic repair and open repair procedures for chronic ankle instability. Purpose: To compare function and activity level after arthroscopic repair versus open repair of the ATFL in patients with lateral ankle instability. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent arthroscopic or open surgical Broström repair of the ATFL between January 2012 and August 2014 were invited to participate in this study. All of the patients had consented for arthroscopic repair if feasible. In cases in which arthroscopic repair was impossible, the open modified Broström procedure was performed after arthroscopy. Patients accepted a systematic rehabilitation program postoperatively. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and Tegner activity score were used to evaluate ankle function preoperatively and at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the repaired ATFL. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in this study. They were assigned to 1 of 2 groups according to their surgical procedure: 23 patients underwent arthroscopic repair (arthroscopic group) and 37 patients underwent open repair (open group). No patient in either group had ankle instability at follow-up postoperatively. After surgery, the AOFAS score ( P < .001), KAFS ( P < .001), and Tegner activity score ( P < .001) increased significantly in both groups. However, no significant difference was found in AOFAS score (93.3 ± 8.9 vs 92.4 ± 8.6; P = .7), KAFS (90.3 ± 12.5 vs 89.4 ± 10.6; P = .75), and Tegner score (5 ± 2 vs 5 ± 2; P = .61) between the arthroscopic group and the open group, respectively. As well, no significant difference was found in the mean SNR value of ATFL between the arthroscopic group and the open group (9.1 ± 2.7 vs 8.8 ± 2.3; P = .39, respectively). Conclusion: When compared with open lateral ankle repair, arthroscopic repair of lateral ankle ligament when feasible produced similarly favorable outcomes. Arthroscopic ATFL repair, as a minimally invasive technique, provided favorable outcomes.

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2380-2385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Li ◽  
Yinghui Hua ◽  
Sijia Feng ◽  
Hongyun Li ◽  
Shiyi Chen

Background: The treatment strategy for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury is usually determined by the ATFL remnant condition during surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–based signal intensity of the ATFL remnant, represented by the signal/noise ratio (SNR) value, can reveal the ATFL remnant condition. Thus far, there is a lack of evidence regarding the relationship between the ATFL remnant condition and functional outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to quantitatively evaluate whether the MRI-based ATFL ligament SNR value is related to functional outcomes after ATFL repair for ankles with chronic lateral ankle instability. The hypothesis was that a lower preoperative SNR is related to a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: First, a preliminary study was performed to measure the ATFL SNR in preoperative MRI, the results of which suggested that a preoperative SNR >10.4 was indicative of a poor ATFL condition. Then, a cohort study was retrospectively performed with consecutive patients who underwent open repair of ATFL injuries between January 2009 and August 2014. Accordingly, the patients were divided into 2 groups: high SNR (HSNR; ≥10.4) and low SNR (LSNR; <10.4). Functional outcomes based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and Tegner Activity Scale were then compared between the HSNR group and the LSNR group. Results: Ultimately, 70 patients were available for the final follow-up: 37 in the HSNR group and 33 in the LSNR group. No significant difference was detected between the HSNR group and the LSNR group in terms of the AOFAS score, KAFS, or Tegner Activity Scale ( P > .05 for all) preoperatively. At the final follow-up, the mean ± SD AOFAS score in the LSNR group (92 ± 6) was higher than that in the HSNR group (87 ± 12), although no significant difference was detected postoperatively ( P = .16). The mean KAFS in the LSNR group (94 ± 7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (88 ± 11) postoperatively ( P = .03). At follow-up, the mean Tegner score in the LSNR group (6; range, 3-7) was significantly higher than that in the HSNR group (5; range, 1-8) postoperatively ( P = .03). Patients in the LSNR group had a significantly higher percentage of sports participation than those in the HSNR group (91% vs 65%, P = .02) postoperatively. Conclusion: A lower signal intensity in the ATFL ligament based on preoperative MRI is associated with a better clinical outcome, particularly a higher rate of return to sport.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 230949901878087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Can Chen ◽  
Hongbin Lu ◽  
Jianzhong Hu ◽  
Xuqiang Qiu ◽  
Xiong Li ◽  
...  

Introduction: Anatomic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is challenging when the local ligamentous tissue is severely attenuated. Anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL with tibial tuberosity–patellar tendon (TT-PT) autograft is a feasible choice that can avoid the complicated tendon–bone healing and restore ankle stability. Materials and methods: From 2009 to 2015, 31 chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) patients (31 ankles), who had a serious injury on the ATFL only, were treated with anatomic reconstruction of ATFL with TT-PT. American orthopedic foot and ankle society ankle–hindfoot score (AHS), visual analog scale for pain score (VAS), Karlsson–Peterson score, Tegner activity level, and objective examination comprehending range of motion were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes before and after operation. Radiographically, talar tilt angles and anterior drawer were assessed in pre- and postoperative ankle stress views. Results: Among the 31 ankles, 17 ankles with single-bundle ATFL and 14 ankles with double-bundle ATFL were found at operation. At a mean follow-up of 42 months (24–82 months), all patients were satisfied with the procedure. Mean AHS significantly increased from 60.5 ± 8.2 to 93.5 ± 4.8. Mean Karlsson–Peterson score significantly increased from 55.2 ± 11.0 preoperatively to 91.2 ± 6.9 at final follow-up. Average VAS significantly decreased from 5.9 ± 1.6 preoperatively to 1.4 ± 1.0 at the latest follow-up. Mean Tegner activity level was 3.7 ± 0.9 before operation, compared with 7.0 ± 0.8 after operation. On stress radiographs, mean talar tilt angle was 17.0 ± 3.4° before operation and 3.8 ± 2.1° at the latest follow-up. In addition, mean anterior tibiotalar translation was 7.5 ± 2.2 mm before operation and 1.8 ± 1.1 mm at the latest follow-up. Conclusion: Anatomic reconstruction of the ATFL using a TT-PT autograft allows bone–bone healing in talus and tendon–tendon/periosteum healing in fibula rather than requiring tendon–bone healing, which is an alternative choice for treating CLAI caused by single ATFL insufficiency.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 737-746
Author(s):  
Yiwen Hu ◽  
Yuyang Zhang ◽  
Qianru Li ◽  
Yuxue Xie ◽  
Rong Lu ◽  
...  

Background: Cartilage degeneration is a common issue in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. However, there are limited studies regarding the effectiveness of lateral ligament surgery on preventing talar and subtalar joint cartilage from further degenerative changes. Purpose: To longitudinally evaluate talar and subtalar cartilage compositional changes using magnetic resonance imaging T2* mapping in anatomic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)–repaired and ATFL-reconstructed ankles and to compare them with measures in asymptomatic controls. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2016, patients with chronic lateral ankle instability who underwent anatomic ATFL repair (n = 19) and reconstruction (n = 20) were prospectively recruited. Patients underwent 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 3-year follow-up. As asymptomatic controls, 21 healthy volunteers were recruited and underwent imaging at baseline. Talar dome cartilage was divided into (1) medial anterior, central, and posterior and (2) lateral anterior, central, and posterior. Posterior subtalar cartilage was divided into (1) central talus and calcaneus and (2) lateral talus and calcaneus. Ankle function was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores. Results: There were significant increases in T2* values in medial and lateral posterior and central talus cartilage from baseline to 3-year follow-up in patients who underwent repair. T2* values were significantly higher in ATFL-repaired ankles at follow-up for all cartilage regions of interest, except medial and lateral anterior and lateral central, compared with those in healthy controls. From baseline to 3-year follow-up, ATFL-reconstructed ankles had a significant increase in T2* values in lateral central and posterior cartilage. T2* values in ATFL-reconstructed ankles at follow-up were elevated in all cartilage regions of interest, except medial and lateral anterior, compared with those in healthy controls. ATFL-repaired ankles showed a greater decrease of T2* values from baseline to follow-up in lateral calcaneus cartilage than did ATFL-reconstructed ankles ( P = .031). No significant differences in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score were found between repair and reconstruction procedures (mean ± SD, 19.11 ± 7.45 vs 16.85 ± 6.24; P = .311). Conclusion: Neither anatomic ATFL repair nor reconstruction could prevent the progression of talar dome and posterior subtalar cartilage degeneration; however, ankle function and activity levels were not affected over a short period. Patients who underwent ATFL repair exhibited lower T2* values in the lateral calcaneus cartilage than did those who underwent reconstruction.


2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Qian-bo Chen ◽  
Xiao-kang Tan ◽  
Chen-song Yuan ◽  
Xu Tao ◽  
Hong-hui Cao ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Chronic lateral ankle instability causes significant problems in physical activity and accelerates development of osteoarthritic changes. Many procedures were designed to reconstruct the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) in the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. Although most of them were effective, but brought big trauma and sacrifice of some tendons. Objective To design a minimally invasive ATFL reconstruction with partial peroneus brevis tendon and evaluate its clinical outcomes. Study design Nonrandomized controlled clinical trial. Materials and methods From 2004 to 2012, 29 patients of chronic lateral ankle instability were treated with minimally invasive ATFL reconstruction with partial peroneus brevis tendon. A 3 cm curved incision was made to explore the ATFL origin and its insertion. Half peroneus brevis tendon was taken to reconstruct the ATFL through the bone tunnel from the insertion of CFL to the insertion of ATFL in the fibular, and then fixed to ATFL insertion location on the talus. All patients were followed-up by radiology and clinical examination at least two years. Their ATFLs were always evaluated by standard stress X-ray examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery and every 1 year after the operation. Functional results were assessed in terms of Karlsson score and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) anklehind foot score. Results The average follow-up period was 57.9 months (24- 114 months). The majority of results (93.1%) were satisfactory. The mean Karlsson score improved from 41.7 prior to surgery to 88.6 and AOFAS from an average 47.2 preoperatively to 91.7 postoperatively at the final follow-up visit. Paired t-tests showed improvements of great significance (p < 0.01). The ligaments were proved be reconstructed well in all patients by MRI. It showed the negative talar tilt sign postoperatively by stress X-rays. There was no recurrence of lateral ankle instability. Conclusion The minimally invasive ATFL reconstruction with partial peroneus brevis tendon has advantages of small trauma, good reconstruction and excellent clinical outcomes, thus, is a safe and effective method for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. How to cite this article Chen Q, Tan X, Yuan C, Tao X, Cao H, Xu J, Tang K. Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of Anterior Talofibular Ligament with Partial Peroneus Brevis Tendon in the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(1):12-16.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Zeng ◽  
Xumin Hu ◽  
Wenzhou Liu ◽  
Xuemei Qiu ◽  
Tao Yang ◽  
...  

Background: The comparative studies on open vs arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair are limited. This study aimed to compare the early therapeutic efficacy and cost between the traditional open Broström-Gould repair and all-arthroscopic anatomical repair of the ATFL for chronic lateral ankle instability. Methods: A total of 27 of patients with chronic lateral ankle instability undergoing repair of the ATFL between January 2013 and June 2015 were retrospectively included with a traditional open surgery (n = 10) group and arthroscopy (n = 17) group. The surgery duration, surgical cost, postoperative complications, and the preoperative/postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) and Karlsson-Peterson score were compared between groups. Results: Compared to the arthroscopy group, the open surgery group had significantly shorter surgery duration and lower surgical cost. However, there was no significant difference in hospitalization duration between groups. At 3 years after operation, the AOFAS and Karlsson scores were significantly improved in both groups. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the AOFAS and Karlsson scores between groups at both preoperative and postoperative assessment. No significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Conclusion: These results suggest that open Broström-Gould repair and all-arthroscopic anatomical repair of the ATFL have comparable therapeutic efficacy for chronic lateral ankle instability. The arthroscopic surgery had a smaller incision, while the open Broström-Gould had a shorter surgery duration and lower cost. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 193864002110552
Author(s):  
Bryan G. Adams ◽  
Brian P. Milam ◽  
Nicholas J. Drayer ◽  
Ama Winland ◽  
Debra Hood ◽  
...  

Background: It is not known how peroneal tendon exploration influences results after modified Broström for lateral ankle instability. We propose peroneal exploration at the time of modified Broström will have similar outcomes as no peroneal exploration. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing modified Broström with and without peroneal exploration. Foot and Ankle Outcome scores and data regarding military retention were gathered and compared. Results: Seventeen patients were identified in the modified Broström only cohort and 24 in the peroneal exploration cohort. Patients had mean follow-up of 5 years in both cohorts. The mean FAOS in the modified Broström only cohort was 68 and 72 in the cohort with peroneal exploration (P = .541). When each FAOS subcategory was analyzed, no difference was identified in any subcategory. Eight of 17 patients (47%) in the modified Broström only cohort remained active duty compared with 8 of 24 patients (33%) in the modified Broström with peroneal exploration cohort (P = .518). One patient medically discharged in the modified Broström only cohort versus 6 in peroneal exploration cohort (P = .109). Overall satisfaction with the procedure was 12 of 17 (71%) in the modified Broström only cohort and 19 of 24 (79%) in the peroneal exploration cohort (P = .529). Conclusions: No significant difference was identified between patients undergoing modified Broström alone or modified Broström with peroneal exploration. There was no significant difference in return to duty, medical discharge or patient satisfaction. Levels of Evidence: Level III: retrospective case-control study with prospectively collected data


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096732
Author(s):  
Soichi Hattori ◽  
Kentaro Onishi ◽  
Yuji Yano ◽  
Yuki Kato ◽  
Hiroshi Ohuchi ◽  
...  

Background: Arthroscopic repair is a widely accepted surgical treatment for chronic ankle instability; however, recent studies have shown that arthroscopic repair is nonanatomic in its anchor placement and resultant biomechanics. Ultrasound may improve the accuracy of the anchor placement. Hypothesis: Our hypothesis was that the accuracy of anchor placement in sonographically guided anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair will be comparable with that in open ATFL repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The study included 26 patients who received surgical treatment between April 2012 and October 2019 for chronic ankle instability. Fifteen patients underwent open modified Broström repair and 11 underwent sonographically guided ATFL repair. The distance between the anchor hole and the fibular obscure tubercle was measured using 3-dimensional computed tomography and was compared between the operative procedures. For comparison, a noninferiority trial was employed, with open modified Broström repair as the reference surgery. The noninferiority margin was defined as 5 mm. Results: The mean ± SD distance between the anchor and fibular obscure tubercle was 6.0 ± 2.7 mm in open repair and 5.6 ± 3.3 mm in sonographically guided repair. The mean difference in distance between the techniques ( open repair – sonographically guided repair) was 0.37 mm (95% CI, –2.1 to 2.9 mm). The lower margin of the confidence interval was within the noninferiority margin (–5 to 5 mm). Conclusion: Anchor placement under sonographically guided ATFL repair was equivalent to that of open ATFL repair and can be considered anatomic and accurate.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0051
Author(s):  
Hailin Xu

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Chronic lateral ankle instability is usually progressed from previous lateral ankle sprain which is not treated properly. Although patients with acute lateral ankle ligament injury are often managed successfully with conservative treatment, approximately 20%-40% will go on developing symptomatic chronic recurrent lateral ankle instability. Several procedures have been introduced to address these patients including open or arthroscopic techniques, the most common of which is the BrostrÖm procedure. The aim of this study was to describe a new outside-in arthroscopic BrostrÖm procedure and its results for treating patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. Methods: Of the 32 patients that were treated, 18 males and 14 females, and aged from 15~57 years (mean 27.8 years). All patients were symptomatic with a combination of recurrent ankle sprains, giving way and avoidance of sports, as well as presented positive anterior drawer test in the physical examination. The history of all patients was over 6 months and conservative treatments were not enough to relieve the symptoms. Standard anteromedial and anterolateral portal was established. Using a suture anchor (2.9 mm Lupine BR, preloaded with double orthocord sutures, DePuy Synthes) and a cannulated needle as a suture passer, anterior talofibular ligament repair was achieved with an outside-in technique. Follow-up was 6~14 months (mean 8.7). Results: Subjective instability and mechanical instability were all significantly improved. No recurrences of ankle instability were reported. The mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot score increased from 74 preoperatively to 95 at final follow-up. 2 patients reported superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) irritation symptom postoperatively but only 1 persisted. 2 patients complained mild pain anteroinferior to the lateral ankle. Conclusion: The arthroscopic outside-in BrostrÖm procedure with a single suture anchor was a safe, effective and reproducible technique for chronic lateral ankle instability. The ankle stability resumed with high clinical success rate. The main complication of this procedure was injury to SPN, which crossed the area of repair. The transient neurologic symptom may be related to stretch injury when establishing the anterolateral portal, while the persistent one may be due to nerve entrapment.


Author(s):  
Moritz Mederake ◽  
Ulf Krister Hofmann ◽  
Ingmar Ipach

Abstract Introduction The modified Broström operation (MBO) has found widespread use in the therapy of lateral chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, alternative surgical techniques like the open reconstruction using a periosteal flap (RPF) are still an important part of the surgical treatment of lateral CAI. Both procedures differ in terms of the reconstruction material used and the surgical procedure. Comparative studies on the surgical therapy of CAI are limited and generally refer to similar surgical procedures. Aim of this study was to compare the arthroscopic MBO and the RPF. Materials and methods We retrospectively analysed 25 patients with lateral CAI after a tear of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). 14 patients received arthroscopic MBO and 11 patients received RPF. We compared the postoperative outcome between both groups with respect to subjective instability, the number of ankle sprains, pain, complications and follow-up operations as well as the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Results Both surgical procedures resulted in a significant improvement in pain, in subjective instability, in the reduction in the frequency of ankle sprains and improvement in the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score one year postoperatively. Three months postoperatively, the values for pain and instability of the MBO group were significantly better compared to the RPF. One year after the operation, these differences were evened out. Also in terms of complications and follow-up operations, no significant difference was found between the two procedures. Conclusions Both surgical procedures give very good results one year postoperatively in terms of pain, instability, function and complication rate. With significantly better results regarding pain and instability three months postoperatively, the MBO allows a faster recovery in patients operated with this technique.


2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 2381-2388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caio Nery ◽  
Fernando Raduan ◽  
Angelo Del Buono ◽  
Inacio Diogo Asaumi ◽  
Moises Cohen ◽  
...  

Background: Lateral ankle sprains account for 85% of ankle lesions. Hypothesis: Combined open and arthroscopic procedures could improve the diagnosis and management of intra-articular lesions and allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Forty consecutive patients underwent ankle arthroscopy for recurrent (2 or more episodes) lateral ankle instability unresponsive to nonoperative measures. The clinical diagnosis of mechanical instability was confirmed at imaging (plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and arthroscopic assessment. All patients underwent arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair for management of lateral ankle instability; secondary lesions were also managed. Postoperatively, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was administered to assess the functional status; clinical examination and conventional radiographs were performed in all patients. Results: Thirty-eight patients were reviewed at an average postoperative follow-up of 9.8 years. The mean AOFAS score was 90 (range, 44-100) at the last follow-up. No significantly different outcomes were found in patients who had undergone microfractures for management of grade III to IV cartilage lesions compared with patients with no cartilage lesions. Postoperative AOFAS scores were graded as excellent and good in almost all patients (94.7%). Concerning failure rate, 2 patients (5.3%) reported a low AOFAS score: one patient underwent soft tissue removal for anterior impingement, and one received simultaneous medial ankle instability repair. Conclusion: The arthroscopic Broström-Gould–assisted technique could be a viable alternative to the gold-standard Broström-Gould procedure for anatomic repair of chronic lateral ankle instability and management of intra-articular lesions. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed.


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