Clinical Outcomes and Return to Sport After Minimally Invasive Reconstruction of the Lateral Ligament Complex with Semitendinosus Tendon Autograft in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Author(s):  
Federico Usuelli ◽  
Cristian Indino ◽  
Claudia Angela Di Silvestri ◽  
Luigi Manzi ◽  
Nicola Maffulli

<p>Background: Ankle sprains are common, affecting especially the lateral ligament complex of the ankle, often leading to chronic symptoms and instability. Many procedures have been described for chronic ankle instability. This study analyses clinical outcomes and returns to sport in patients who underwent minimally invasive reconstruction of the lateral ligaments complex of the ankle with a semitendinosus tendon autograft.</p><p>Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age: 33.9 years) with grade 3 lesion of both anterior-talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments, underwent minimally invasive reconstruction of the ATFL and CFL ligaments with an ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon autograft. They were retrospectively reviewed and return to sport was evaluated with the Halasi ankle activity scale.</p><p>Results: The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 26-53 months). The mean AOFAS score increased from 68.6 to 95.3 point. The average VAS decreased from 3.6 to 1.3. The Halasi score changed from 5.0 to 5.1. Excepts for Halasi, the differences were statistically significant (p <0.001).19 patients judged the received treatment as excellent, 2 as good. No revision procedures were performed. No major complications were reported.</p> <p>Conclusions: This study confirms good clinical and sports outcomes following minimally invasive reconstruction of the lateral ligaments complex of the ankle with a semitendinosus autograft.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Yun Li ◽  
Sheng-Kun Li ◽  
Ri Zhou ◽  
Shi-Yi Chen ◽  
Ying-Hui Hua

Background. Both percutaneous and arthroscopic techniques have been introduced in anatomic ankle lateral ligaments reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to compare these two techniques in identifying the calcaneal insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). Methods. Fifteen fresh-frozen human ankle cadaver specimens were used in this study. Each specimen was tested in three stages. For stage 1, each specimen was evaluated under arthroscopy. After debridement was performed, the insertion of the CFL on the calcaneus was identified, and a 1.5mm Kirschner wire was drilled at the center of the insertion. For stage 2, a percutaneous technique was used to identify the center of the insertion of the CFL. A second 1.5 mm Kirschner wire was drilled through the skin marker. For stage 3, the ankle was dissected, the footprint of the CFL was identified under direct vision, and the distances between the center of the CFL insertion on the calcaneus and the two Kirschner wires were measured, respectively. Results. In the arthroscopic technique group, the mean distance from the Kirschner wire to the center of the CFL insertion in the calcaneus was 3.4 ± 1.3 mm. In the percutaneous technique group, the mean distance from the Kirschner wire to the center of the CFL insertion was 3.2 ± 1.4 mm. No significant difference was found between the two groups. Conclusion. No difference in identifying the calcaneal insertion of the CFL was found between the percutaneous and the arthroscopic ankle lateral ligaments reconstruction technique. Both techniques can be used during anatomic ligaments reconstruction in treatment of chronic ankle instability.



2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110080
Author(s):  
Sung Hyun Lee ◽  
Hyung Gyu Cho ◽  
Je Heon Yang

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.



2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 232596712110074
Author(s):  
Jakob Ackermann ◽  
Fabio A. Casari ◽  
Christoph Germann ◽  
Lizzy Weigelt ◽  
Stephan H. Wirth ◽  
...  

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.



2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 462-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximiliano Ranalletta ◽  
Luciano A. Rossi ◽  
Hugo Barros ◽  
Francisco Nally ◽  
Ignacio Tanoira ◽  
...  

Background: Early union and a rapid return to prior function are the priorities for young athletes with lateral clavicular fractures. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid nonunion in this subgroup of patients, as this is frequently associated with persistent pain, restriction of movement, and loss of strength and endurance of the shoulder. Purpose: To analyze the time to return to sport, functional outcomes, and complications in a group of athletes with displaced lateral clavicular fractures treated using closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 21 athletes with displaced lateral clavicular fractures were treated with closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation between March 2008 and October 2013. Patients completed a questionnaire focused on the time to return to sport and treatment course. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Constant score and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographs were reviewed to identify radiographic union, malunion, and nonunion. Results: Of the 21 study patients, 20 returned to sport after treatment; 100% returned to the same level. The mean time to return to play was 78 days (range, 41-120 days). Four patients (20%) returned to sport less than 6 weeks after surgery, 14 (70%) returned between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, and 2 (10%) returned after 12 weeks. The mean Constant score was 89.1 ± 4.2 (range, 79-100), the mean QuickDASH score was 0.4 ± 2.6 (range, 0-7.1), and the mean VAS pain score was 0.4 ± 1.0 (range, 0-3) at final follow-up (mean, 41 months). The only complication was asymptomatic nonunion. Hardware removal was not necessary in any patient. Conclusion: Closed reduction and minimally invasive double-button fixation of displaced lateral clavicular fractures in athletes was successful in terms of returning to the previous level of athletic activity regardless of the type of sport, with excellent clinical results and a low rate of complications.



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 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.



Author(s):  
Daniel M. Bethencourt ◽  
Jennifer Le ◽  
Gabriela Rodriguez ◽  
Robert W. Kalayjian ◽  
Gregory S. Thomas

Objective This study reports the evolution of a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (mini-AVR) technique that uses a right anterior minithoracotomy approach with central cannulation, for a 13-year period. This technique has become our standard approach for isolated primary AVR in nearly all patients. Methods This observational study evaluated perioperative clinical outcomes of patients 18 years or older who underwent mini-AVR from November 2003 to June 2015. Results The mini-AVR technique was used in 202 patients during two periods of 2003 to 2009 (n = 65, “early”) and 2010 to 2015 (n = 137, “late”). The mean ± SD age was 72.5 ± 12.9 years and 60% were male. Demographic parameters were statistically similar between the study periods, except for increased body weight in the later period (75.3 ± 14.7 vs 80.9 ± 20.8 kg, P = 0.03). The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were significantly different by each year and Bonferroni adjustment, with significant decreases in cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times beginning 2006. Compared with the early study period, late study period patients were more often extubated intraoperatively (52% vs 12%, P < 0.001), had less frequent prolonged ventilator use postoperatively (6% vs 16%, P = 0.018), required fewer blood transfusions (mean, 2.0 ± 2.3 U vs 3.6 ± 3.0 U; P = 0.011), and had shorter postoperative stay (6.3 ± 4.5 days vs 8.0 ± 5.9 days, P = 0.026). Numerically, fewer postoperative strokes (1% vs 6%, P = 0.09) and fewer reoperations for bleeding (3% vs 6%, P = 0.3) occurred in the late period. In-hospital mortality did not differ (1/65 early vs 3/137 late). Conclusions Overall mini-AVR intraoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes improved for this 13-year experience.



2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shi-Ming Feng ◽  
Nicola Maffulli ◽  
Francesco Oliva ◽  
Qing-Qing Sun ◽  
Ai-Guo Wang

Abstract Background Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction is a valid treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of preserving and not preserving remnant in ATFL reconstruction, as well as the clinical efficacy.Methods From January 2015 to July 2017, fifty-three admitted remnant-preserving CLAI patients with ATFL injury were prospectively randomized as remnant-preserving group (preservation of ATFL) and non-preserving group (no preservation of ATFL). All patients received anatomic reconstruction of ATFL using the semitendinosus tendon autograft. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Anterior Talar Translation (ATT), and ankle proprioceptive recovery in both groups were compared.Results All patients were followed up for at least 2 years, and difference in the follow-up time between two groups was not statistically significant. Differences in VAS, AOFAS, KAFS, ATT and ankle proprioceptive recovery between two groups were not statistically significant.Conclusions Compared with non-remnant-preserving surgery, there are no short-term follow-up differences in postoperative ankle function, stability and proprioceptive recovery when semitendinosus tendon autograft is used to treat CLAI through remnant-preserving ATFL reconstruction.Level of Evidence: Level III, a prospective comparative study.Trial registration: Xuzhou Central Hospital, ZXYY-2015090. Registered 21 November 2014



2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Hunt ◽  
Helder Pereira ◽  
Judas Kelley ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
Richard Fuld ◽  
...  

Background: Acute inversion ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Higher grade sprains, including anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injury, can be particularly challenging. The precise effect of CFL injury on ankle instability is unclear. Hypothesis: CFL injury will result in decreased stiffness, decreased peak torque, and increased talar and calcaneal motion and will alter ankle contact mechanics when compared with the uninjured ankle and the ATFL-only injured ankle in a cadaveric model. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ten matched pairs of cadaver specimens with a pressure sensor in the ankle joint and motion trackers on the fibula, talus, and calcaneus were mounted on a material testing system with 20° of ankle plantarflexion and 15° of internal rotation. Intact specimens were axially loaded to body weight and then underwent inversion along the anatomic axis of the ankle from 0° to 20°. The ATFL and CFL were sequentially sectioned and underwent inversion testing for each condition. Linear mixed models were used to determine significance for stiffness, peak torque, peak pressure, contact area, and inversion angles of the talus and calcaneus relative to the fibula across the 3 conditions. Results: Stiffness and peak torque did not significantly decrease after sectioning of the ATFL but decreased significantly after sectioning of the CFL. Peak pressures in the tibiotalar joint decreased and mean contact area increased significantly after CFL release. Significantly more inversion of the talus and calcaneus as well as calcaneal medial displacement was seen with weightbearing inversion after sectioning of the CFL. Conclusion: The CFL contributes considerably to lateral ankle instability. Higher grade sprains that include CFL injury result in significant decreases in rotation stiffness and peak torque, substantial alteration of contact mechanics at the ankle joint, increased inversion of the talus and calcaneus, and increased medial displacement of the calcaneus. Clinical Relevance: Repair of an injured CFL should be considered during lateral ligament reconstruction, and there may be a role for early repair in high-grade injuries to avoid intermediate and long-term consequences of a loose or incompetent CFL.



2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 4003-4010
Author(s):  
François Sigonney ◽  
Ronny Lopes ◽  
Pierre-Alban Bouché ◽  
Elliott Kierszbaum ◽  
Aymane Moslemi ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Chronic ankle instability is the main complication of ankle sprains and requires surgery if non-operative treatment fails. The goal of this study was to validate a tool to quantify psychological readiness to return to sport after ankle ligament reconstruction. Methods The form was designed like the anterior cruciate ligament-return to sport after injury scale and “Knee” was replaced by the term “ankle”. The ankle ligament reconstruction-return to sport after injury (ALR-RSI) scale was filled by patients who underwent ankle ligament reconstruction and were active in sports. The scale was then validated according to the international COSMIN methodology. The AOFAS and Karlsson scores were used as reference questionnaires. Results Fifty-seven patients (59 ankles) were included, 27 women. The ALR-RSI scale was strongly correlated with the Karlsson score (r = 0.79 [0.66–0.87]) and the AOFAS score (r = 0.8 [0.66–0.87]). A highly significant difference was found in the ALR-RSI between the subgroup of 50 patients who returned to playing sport and the seven who did not: 68.8 (56.5–86.5) vs 45.0 (31.3–55.8), respectively, p = 0.02. The internal consistency of the scale was high (α = 0.96). Reproducibility of the test–retest was excellent (ρ = 0.92; 95% CI [0.86–0.96]). Conclusion The ALR-RSI is a valid, reproducible scale that identifies patients who are ready to return to the same sport after ankle ligament reconstruction. This scale may help to identify athletes who will find sport resumption difficult. Level of evidence III.



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