CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Ankle Lateral Ligament Repair with Accelerated Rehabilitation

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Ankle Lateral Ligament Repair with Accelerated Rehabilitation

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The study evaluated the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair (ALLR) with accelerated rehabilitation (AR) for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The study included 23 ankles of 22 patients who underwent ALLR. The surgical technique involved placing an anchor against the proximal fibular obscure tubercle and passing a suture through the ATFL tissue and the articular capsule. Post-operative management included weight-bearing immobilization, range of motion exercises, and a gradual return to sports activities. <br /><br />The results showed that more than 60% of patients experienced the disappearance or improvement of major symptoms and instability. Range of motion in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion also improved after surgery. Objective assessments of instability using stress X-ray measurements showed significant improvements. Clinical scores and self-evaluation questionnaires also showed significant improvements in pain, physical function, social function, footwear, general health, and sports.<br /><br />Return to sports was achieved in 75% of cases, with patients participating in various activities such as basketball, futsal, handball, badminton, soccer, snowboarding, marathon, walking, baseball, skiing, and running. <br /><br />The study concluded that AR following ALLR can lead to significant improvements in objective assessments of ankle instability and clinical scores. The early return to sports activities suggests that ALLR followed by AR may be an effective treatment method for athletes with CLAI.

Asset Subtitle

Atsushi Teramoto, MD, Yasutaka Murahashi, Katsunori Takahashi, Kota Watanabe, Toshihiko Yamashita

Keywords

arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair

accelerated rehabilitation

chronic lateral ankle instability

clinical outcomes

surgical technique

post-operative management

range of motion

instability

objective assessments

return to sports