The Indication of Ankle Lateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Tendon Graft in Chronic Ankle Instability

ImportancePatients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who have failed non-operative treatments are most commonly treated with open ankle repair or reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament and/or calcaneofibular ligament. Over 50 operative techniques have been described for the treatment of CAI. However, there is no current systematic evaluation of currently used open operative techniques for the treatment of CAI.Aim/ObjectiveThe primary objective of this study is to provide evidence-based treatment recommendations for CAI in adults based on a comprehensive systematic review of the literature.Evidence reviewThe literature review of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science databases was completed on 22 February 2017. Search terms included two concepts: lateral ligament of the ankle (patients) and open reconstructive or repair procedures (intervention). All published clinical studies with English translation were included. Biomechanical, cadaveric, review articles, minimally invasive procedures and arthroscopic procedures were excluded. Open operative procedures from included articles were classified as anatomical or non-anatomical and repair or reconstructive. Articles were then assigned a level of evidence (I-V) to denote quality of the research methods. Articles were reviewed collectively to provide a grade of recommendation (A-C or I) in support for or against the operative intervention in treatment of CAI.FindingsSeventy one of 1635 identified articles were included for review. There is fair evidence (Grade B) in support of anatomical repair, anatomical reconstruction and non-anatomical reconstruction procedures. There was insufficient evidence available to grade internal brace and non-anatomical repair procedures.Conclusions and relevanceAlthough only fair-quality evidence exists in support of open operative treatment of CAI, this systematic review helps reassure clinicians of their current practices. The literature reaffirms support for open anatomical repair and anatomical reconstruction technique for CAI.Level of evidenceLevel II, systematic review.

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Arthroscopic Findings in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465020300031601 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 30 (3) ◽

pp. 402-409 ◽

Cited By ~ 314

Author(s):

Beat Hintermann ◽

Andreas Boss ◽

Dirk Schäfer

Keyword(s):

Structural Changes ◽

Ankle Instability ◽

Cartilage Damage ◽

Case Series ◽

Chronic Ankle Instability ◽

Ankle Arthroscopy ◽

Lateral Ligament ◽

Deltoid Ligament ◽

Anterior Talofibular Ligament ◽

Ligament Injuries

Background There are little objective data on structural changes of the chronically unstable ankle. Such knowledge could help with preoperative planning. Hypothesis Preoperative ankle arthroscopy provides important insights into the causes and mechanisms of ankle instability and the resulting disability. Study Design Case series. Methods From 1993 to 1999, arthroscopic examination was performed in the ankles of 148 patients with symptomatic chronic ankle instability that had lasted 6 months or more. All structural changes were recorded and compared with the clinical diagnosis. Results A rupture or elongation of the anterior talofibular ligament was noted in 86% of ankles, of the calcaneofibular ligament in 64%, and of the deltoid ligament in 40%. Cartilage damage was noted in 66% of ankles with lateral ligament injuries, whereas 98% of the ankles with deltoid ligament injuries had cartilage damage. Although lateral instability could be verified arthroscopically in 127 patients, medial instability was presumed clinically in 38 patients but was actually detected in 54 patients arthroscopically. Conclusion Preoperative ankle arthroscopy revealed an essential amount of information that would otherwise have been undetected. For instance, the ligaments showed typical abnormalities corresponding to different entities of ankle instability and different intra-articular pathologic conditions.

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Arthroscopic Lateral Ligament Repair Through Two Portals in Chronic Ankle Instability

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001711010617 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 617-632 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jorge Pablo Batista ◽

Jorge Javier del Vecchio ◽

Luciano Patthauer ◽

Manuel Ocampo

Keyword(s):

Ankle Instability ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Clinical Success Rate ◽

Chronic Ankle Instability ◽

Tilt Test ◽

Lateral Ligament ◽

Return To Sports ◽

Ligament Repair

Objectives:Injury to the lateral ligament complex of the ankle is one of the most common sports-related injury.Usually lateral ankle evolves with excellent clinical recovery with non surgical treatment, however, near about 30% develop a lateral chronic instability sequela.Several open and arthroscopic surgical techniques have been described to treat this medical condition.Material and Methods:Of the 22 patients who were treated; 18 males and 4 females, and aged from 17-42 years (mean 28 years).All patients presented a history of more than three ankle sprains in the last two years and presented positive anterior drawer and talar tilt test of the ankle in the physical examination.We perform an anterior arthroscopy of the ankle in order to treat asociated disease and then we performed“All inside¨lateral ligament repair through two portals (anteromedial and anterolateral) using an anchor knotless suture.Results:Clinical outcome evaluations were performed at a mean follow up of 25 months. (R: 17-31).Overall results has been shown by means of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Mean AOFAS scores improved from 63 points (range 52–77) preoperatively to 90 points (range 73–100) at final follow up.No recurrences of ankle instability were found in the cases presented.Conclusion:Several surgical procedures have been described during the last years in order to treat chronic ankle instability.¨All inside¨lateral ligament reconstruction presents lower local morbidity than open procedures with few complications. Moreover, it is a reproductible technique, with high clinical success rate, few complications and relatively quick return to sports activities. A high knowledge of the anatomic landmarks should be essential to avoid unwated injuries.

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