Arthroscopic Versus Open Broström-Gould Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 647-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo Jun Woo ◽  
Mun Chun Lai ◽  
Kevin Koo
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Perioperative Period ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Open Technique ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Background: The open Broström-Gould procedure for the repair of lateral ankle ligament remains the gold standard in operative management of chronic ankle instability. Nevertheless, the arthroscopic technique has been gaining attention among foot and ankle surgeons in the past decade. Our study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent the arthroscopic and open Brostom-Gould technique over a 12-month follow-up period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database in a tertiary hospital foot and ankle registry from 2015 to 2019. We then performed a 1:1 matching of 26 ankles that underwent the arthroscopic Broström-Gould technique to 26 ankles with the open technique, all performed by a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, for age, sex, and body mass index. To assess clinical outcomes, visual analog scale scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, and Short Form 36 Health Survey scores were collected at the preoperative and 6- and 12-month follow-up visits, respectively. Results: The arthroscopic group demonstrated significantly less pain in the perioperative period (arthroscopic, 1.0 ± 1.2; open, 2.4 ± 2.2; P = .015) and had higher AOFAS scores at 6 months (arthroscopic, 87.2 ± 11.1; open, 73.5 ± 21.9; P = .028) and 12 months (arthroscopic, 94.2 ± 10.0; open, 70.9 ± 33.1; P = .020). No complications were reported in either group. Twenty patients (76.9%) in the arthroscopic group had preoperative intra-articular abnormalities compared with 24 patients (92.3%) in the open group. Conclusion: The arthroscopic Broström-Gould technique produced better clinical outcomes than the open technique at 12 months of follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Additional Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Augmentation After All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair for Chronic Ankle Instability Is Not Necessary

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110080
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Lee ◽  
Hyung Gyu Cho ◽  
Je Heon Yang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽  
Extensor Retinaculum ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Inferior Extensor Retinaculum

Background: Although several arthroscopic surgical techniques for the treatment of chronic ankle instability (CAI) have been introduced recently, the effect of inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) augmentation remains unclear. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair according to whether additional IER augmentation was performed or not. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair surgery for CAI between 2016 and 2018. The mean age of the patients was 35.2 years (range, 19-51 years), and the mean follow-up period was 32.6 months (range, 24-48 months). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique used for CAI: arthroscopic ATFL repair (group A; n = 37) and arthroscopic ATFL repair with additional IER augmentation (group R; n = 45). The pain visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and the Karlsson Ankle Function Score were measured as subjective outcomes, and posturographic analysis was performed using a Tetrax device as an objective outcome. Radiologic outcome evaluations were performed preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively using stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Out of 101 patients, 19 (18.5%) were excluded per the exclusion criteria, and 82 were evaluated. We identified 6 retears (7.3%) based on postoperative MRI evaluation. All patients who had ATFL retear on MRI (8.1% [3/37] in group A and 6.7% [3/45] in group R) demonstrated recurrent CAI with functional discomfort and anterior displacement >3 mm as compared with the intact contralateral ankle. All clinical scores and posturography results were improved after surgery in both groups ( P < .001). However, there were no significant differences in the clinical results and radiologic findings between the groups. Conclusion: The clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients with CAI improved after all-inside arthroscopic ATFL repair. However, additional IER augmentation after arthroscopic ATFL repair did not guarantee better clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis With Lateral Ligament Stabilization for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Patients With Ankle Instability

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596712110074
Author(s):  
Jakob Ackermann ◽  
Fabio A. Casari ◽  
Christoph Germann ◽  
Lizzy Weigelt ◽  
Stephan H. Wirth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Lateral Ligament ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) has been shown to result in favorable clinical outcomes in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Though, the influence of ankle instability on cartilage repair of the ankle has yet to be determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with and without concomitant lateral ligament stabilization (LLS) undergoing AMIC for the treatment of OLT. It was hypothesized that the outcomes would be comparable between these patient groups. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-six patients (13 with and 13 without concomitant ankle instability) who underwent AMIC with a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 1.5 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were matched 1:1 according to age, body mass index (BMI), lesion size, and follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and Tegner, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores were obtained at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A musculoskeletal radiologist scored all grafts according to the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) 1 and MOCART 2.0 scores. Results: The patients’ mean age was 33.4 ± 12.7 years, with a mean BMI of 26.2 ± 3.7. Patients with concomitant LLS showed worse clinical outcome measured by the AOFAS (85.1 ± 14.4 vs 96.3 ± 5.8; P = .034) and Tegner (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 4.4 ± 2.3; P = .012) scores. Postoperative CAIT and AOFAS scores were significantly correlated in patients with concomitant LLS ( r = 0.766; P = .002). A CAIT score >24 (no functional ankle instability) resulted in AOFAS scores comparable with scores in patients with isolated AMIC (90.1 ± 11.6 vs 95.3 ± 6.6; P = .442). No difference was seen between groups regarding MOCART 1 and 2.0 scores ( P = .714 and P = .371, respectively). Conclusion: Concurrently performed AMIC and LLS in patients with OLT and ankle instability resulted in clinical outcomes comparable with isolated AMIC if postoperative ankle stability was achieved. However, residual ankle instability was associated with worse postoperative outcomes, highlighting the need for adequate stabilization of ankle instability in patients with OLT.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Comparing Percutaneous Chevron-Akin Osteotomies vs Open Scarf-Akin Osteotomies for Hallux Valgus

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mun Chun Lai ◽  
Inderjeet Singh Rikhraj ◽  
Yew Lok Woo ◽  
William Yeo ◽  
Yung Chuan Sean Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hallux Valgus ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Perioperative Period ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Percutaneous Technique ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Valgus Angle ◽  
American Orthopaedic

Background: Minimally invasive surgeries have gained popularity due to less soft tissue trauma and better wound healing. To date, limited studies have compared the outcomes of percutaneous and open osteotomies. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies vs open scarf–Akin osteotomies at 24-month follow-up. Method: We reviewed a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital hallux valgus registry. Twenty-nine feet that underwent a percutaneous technique were matched to 58 feet that underwent open scarf and Akin osteotomies. Clinical outcome measures assessed included visual analog scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal score (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey. Radiological outcomes included hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA). All patients were prospectively followed up at 6 and 24 months. Results: Both groups showed comparable clinical and radiological outcomes at the 24-month follow-up. However, the percutaneous group demonstrated less pain in the perioperative period ( P < .001). There were significant differences in the change in HVA between the groups but comparable radiological outcomes in IMA at the 24-month follow-up. The percutaneous group demonstrated shorter length of operation ( P < .001). There were no complications in the percutaneous group but 3 wound complications in the open group. Conclusions: We conclude that clinical and radiological outcomes of third-generation percutaneous chevron-Akin osteotomies were comparable with open scarf and Akin osteotomies at 24 months but with significantly less perioperative pain, shorter length of operation, and less risk of wound complications. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Arthroscopic-Assisted Versus All-Arthroscopic Ankle Stabilization Technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (11) ◽  
pp. 1360-1367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Guelfi ◽  
Gustavo Araujo Nunes ◽  
Francesc Malagelada ◽  
Guillaume Cordier ◽  
Miki Dalmau-Pastor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Pain Scale ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Percutaneous Technique ◽  
Aofas Score ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Vas Score ◽  
The Mean

Background: Both the percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance, also known as arthroscopic Broström (AB), and the arthroscopic all-inside ligament repair (AI) are widely used to treat chronic lateral ankle instability. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of these 2 arthroscopic stabilizing techniques. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients were arthroscopically treated for chronic ankle instability by 2 different surgeons. The AB group comprised 20 patients with a mean age of 30.2 (range, 18-42) years and a mean follow-up of 19.6 (range, 12-28) months. The AI group comprised 19 patients with a mean age of 30.9 (range, 18-46) years and mean follow-up of 20.7 (range, 13-32) months. Functional outcomes using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and visual analog pain scale (VAS) were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Range of motion (ROM) and complications were recorded. Results: In both groups the AOFAS and VAS scores significantly improved compared with preoperative values ( P < .001) with no difference ( P > .1) between groups. In the AB group the mean AOFAS score improved from 67 (range, 44-87) to 92 (range, 76-100) and the mean VAS score from 6.4 (range, 3-10) to 1.2 (range, 0-3). In the AI group the mean AOFAS score changed from 60 (range, 32-87) to 93 (range, 76-100) and the mean VAS score from 6.1 (range, 4-10) to 0.8 (range, 0-3). At the final follow-up 8 complications (40%) were recorded in the AB group. In the AI group 1 complication (5.3%) was observed ( P < .05). Conclusion: Both the AB and AI techniques are suitable surgical options to treat chronic ankle instability providing excellent clinical results. However, the AB had a higher overall complication rate than the AI group, particularly involving a painful restriction of ankle plantarflexion and neuritis of the superficial peroneal nerve. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

scholarly journals Treatment of Bone Marrow Edema of the Foot and Ankle With the Prostacyclin Analog Iloprost

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 1183-1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hubert Hörterer ◽  
Sebastian Felix Baumbach ◽  
Johanne Gregersen ◽  
Stefanie Kriegelstein ◽  
Oliver Gottschalk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Bone Marrow Edema ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Prostacyclin Analog ◽  
Marrow Edema

Background: Bone marrow edema (BME) of the foot and ankle is challenging to treat. One approach is intravenous Iloprost treatment, which is a vasoactive prostacyclin analog. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and intermediate outcome of intravenous Iloprost therapy on BME of the foot and ankle and to analyze the influence of its etiology and Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) stage on the outcome. Methods: This was a retrospective study with prospective follow-up. All patients treated by intravenous Iloprost for BME of the foot and ankle (ARCO I-III) at a single orthopedic reference center were included. Demographics, medical history, and MRIs were assessed prior to treatment (t0). MRIs were used to assess the BMEs’ etiology (idiopathic/ischemic/metabolic, mechanical/degenerative, traumatic) and severity (ARCO). Complications as well as changes in pain, treatment, and MRI were evaluated after 3 months (t1). The following patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed prospectively (t2): 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Visual Analog Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA), and the Foot Function Index (FFI) (also at t0). The descriptive outcomes and the influence of the etiology and ARCO on the outcome parameters were evaluated. Out of 70 eligible patients, 42 patients (60%; 47 ± 15 years; 30% female) with a mean follow-up of 28 ± 19 months were included. Results: Twelve patients reported minor complications during Iloprost therapy. At t1, pain decreased significantly in 56%, and the amount of BME decreased in 83% of patients. Both parameters correlated moderately (r = −0.463, P = .015). The PROMs at t2 revealed moderate results. The overall FFI improved from 59 ± 21 to 30 ± 22 ( P < .001), the overall VAS FA was 68 ± 20, the SF-12 Physical Component Summary 42 ± 12 and Mental Component Summary 50 ± 9. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant influence of the etiology or ARCO stage on any outcome measure. Conclusion: Iloprost therapy for BME of the foot and ankle resulted in a 60% pain and 80% edema decrease after 3 months. After 2 years, patient-rated outcome measures showed residual impairment. Neither the etiology nor ARCO stage significantly influenced the outcome. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.

Clinical Outcomes of Multifocal Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: An Analysis of Overlapping Grafts and Multifocal Lesions

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 2884-2893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric J. Cotter ◽  
Charles P. Hannon ◽  
David R. Christian ◽  
Kevin C. Wang ◽  
Drew A. Lansdown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Arthroscopic Surgery ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Physical Component Summary Score ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Failure Rates ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Allograft Transplantation

Background: There is a paucity of literature regarding the outcomes of adjacent-plug osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) for irregular or ovoid lesions and multifocal OCA for multicompartmental, focal lesions. Purpose: To quantify the survival of multiplug OCA for larger, high-grade chondral lesions with the “snowman” technique versus that of multicompartmental or bipolar OCA. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients who underwent primary, multiplug OCA for large unicondylar, multicompartmental (eg, bipolar patellofemoral and condylar, bicondylar), or bipolar chondral defects (ie, patellofemoral) with a minimum 2-year follow-up by a single surgeon from April 1, 2003, to April 1, 2015, were analyzed. Failure was defined as revision OCA, conversion to arthroplasty, or gross appearance of graft degeneration on second-look arthroscopic surgery. Results: Twenty-six patients (28 knees) were identified, with 22 patients (24 knees; 50% female; mean age, 31.9 ± 9.1 years) having at least 2-year clinical follow-up (85.7%). Nine patients (9 knees) underwent isolated, condylar OCA with the snowman technique and had a mean follow-up of 7.4 ± 3.6 years (range, 1.38-11.14 years), while 13 additional patients (15 knees) underwent multifocal OCA and had a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 3.9 years (range, 2.07-12.38 years). Reoperations were common, with 44.4% (n = 4) of the snowman group and 20.0% (n = 3) of the multifocal group undergoing at least 1 reoperation. There were 3 failures (33.3%) in the snowman group at a mean 7.7 ± 5.5 years and 1 failure (6.7%) in the multifocal group at 4.5 ± 0.0 years, with all undergoing secondary total knee arthroplasty. Patients who underwent snowman OCA demonstrated significant postoperative improvement in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain subscore and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) overall score ( P < .05 for both). Patients who underwent multifocal OCA demonstrated significant improvement in the International Knee Documentation Committee score; KOOS symptoms, activities of daily living, sport, and quality of life subscores; WOMAC stiffness, function, and overall subscores; and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical component summary score ( P < .05 for all). Conclusion: Patients who underwent unicondylar, multiplug OCA using the snowman technique demonstrated inferior clinical outcomes, higher reoperation rates, and greater failure rates than those who underwent isolated single-graft transplantation. By contrast, multifocal OCA may be a viable knee preservation technique for young, active patients with multicompartmental chondral disease, leading to improved clinical outcomes and low reoperation and failure rates at midterm follow-up.

Joint Stabilization Surgery for Chronic Ankle Instability and Medial Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Critically Appraised Topic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Kyle B. Kosik ◽  
Kyeongtak Song ◽  
Phillip A. Gribble ◽  
Matthew C. Hoch ◽  
Arjun Srinath
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Joint Stabilization ◽  
Patient Reported

Clinical Scenario: Patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who require surgical intervention are often diagnosed with medial ankle osteoarthritis (OA). Lateral joint stabilization procedures are commonly performed among this patient population to restore bony alignment and improve cartilage loading patterns to increase patient-reported function and mitigate further degenerative changes. Focused Clinical Question: What is the available evidence to support joint stabilization procedures on patient-reported outcomes and progression of radiographic OA among patients with CAI who have medial ankle OA? Summary of Key Findings: An electronic search of relevant databases was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles examining preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes and radiographic evidence of ankle OA. A total of 3 peer-reviewed articles were retrieved. All 3 articles employed a retrospective case series study design. All 3 articles demonstrated improved patient-reported outcomes at the final follow-up visit. Two articles demonstrated that between 11% and 27% of patients progressed in at least 1stage of radiographic ankle OA between the preoperative assessment and the final follow-up visit (40–56 mo). Clinical Bottom Line: Joint stabilization surgery for patients with CAI and medial ankle OA is associated with improved clinical outcomes and a low rate of worsening radiographic joint degeneration within the first 5 years. Strength of Recommendation: Consistent evidence exists across all 3 articles. However, this evidence is based on a low-quality study design. Therefore, there is a grade-C level of evidence to support joint stabilization for improving patient-reported and radiographic outcomes within the first 5 years after surgery for patients with CAI and medial ankle OA.

Complication Rates and Short-Term Outcomes After Operative Hammertoe Correction in Older Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 681-688 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Mackenzie Mueller ◽  
Stephanie Ann Boden ◽  
Allison Lee Boden ◽  
Samuel David Maidman ◽  
Anya Cutler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Operative Management ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Geriatric Population ◽  
Operative Correction ◽  
Sf 36 ◽  
Toe Deformity

Background: Hammertoe deformities are the most common lesser toe deformity. To date, no studies have looked at outcomes of operative management in the geriatric population, which may be at greater risk for complications or functional compromise because of comorbidities. Methods: Data on 58 patients undergoing operative correction of hammertoe deformities were prospectively collected. Clinical outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of age at the time of surgery: younger than 65 and 65 and older. Complication rates and mean VAS and SF-36 improvement were compared. Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria (7 men, 40 women), with 26 patients (37 toes) in the younger cohort and 21 patients (39 toes) in the older cohort. Results: Overall, patients demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to 6 and 12 months postoperatively in VAS ( P < .001 and P < .001) and SF-36 ( P < .001 and P < .001) scores. Mean improvement in VAS and SF-36 scores was not significantly different between the groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Complications occurred in 13.5% and 10.3% of patients in the younger and older cohorts, respectively. Conclusions: Outcomes of operative correction of hammertoe deformities in older patients were similar to outcomes in younger patients after greater than 6 months of follow-up. Overall improvement in VAS and SF-36 was statistically significant for both cohorts. There was no associated increase in complications for older patients. Level of Evidence: Level, III comparative series.

Development of the Quick-FAAM: A Preliminary Shortened Version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure for Chronic Ankle Instability

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Hoch ◽  
Johanna M. Hoch ◽  
Megan N. Houston
Keyword(s):  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Administration Time ◽  
Ability Measure

The study objective was to develop a shortened version of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) for individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Forty individuals with CAI completed the FAAM Activities of Daily Living and Sport subscales and the Short Form-12. Analyses were completed for item reduction followed by dimensionality, coverage redundancy, and internal consistency of a reduced-item instrument. Validity was examined through correlations with the original FAAM and Short Form-12. A 12-item FAAM was created which demonstrated strong internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity. The Quick-FAAM may provide an alternative patient-reported outcome for CAI which requires less administration time.

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

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072199707
Author(s):  
Yasunari Ikuta ◽  
Tomoyuki Nakasa ◽  
Junichi Sumii ◽  
Akinori Nekomoto ◽  
Nobuo Adachi
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Instability ◽  
Ct Images ◽  
Chronic Ankle Instability ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Deltoid Ligament ◽  
Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽  
Mri Findings ◽  
Calcaneofibular Ligament ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Strong Negative Correlation

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.

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