CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Indications and Limitations of Synthetic Ligament Augmentation Among Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Other Orthopedic Subspecialties

Indications and Limitations of Synthetic Ligament Augmentation Among Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Other Orthopedic Subspecialties

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A study was conducted to investigate the use of ligament augmentation repair (LAR) techniques among orthopedic specialists. The study aimed to determine the current use of LAR, decision-making processes, outcomes, complications, and benefits associated with this technique. The survey was conducted between January and June 2021, and 515 orthopedic surgeons participated with a high completion rate of 97%. <br /><br />The results showed that 75% of all survey respondents reported using LAR for some indication. The most frequent use of LAR was for repair of the anterior talofibular ligament. The primary reasons for implementing LAR were to provide additional stability, address poor tissue quality, and allow for a more rapid return to sport or work. <br /><br />The study also found that foot and ankle fellowship-trained surgeons were more likely to use LAR compared to sports-trained surgeons and those without a fellowship. Surgeons treating professional or Olympic athletes were also more likely to use LAR. <br /><br />There were variations in the application, outcomes, and perceived benefits of LAR among different subspecialties. The reported limitations of LAR differed between LAR users and non-users. Non-users perceived benefit as the greatest limitation, while users identified cost as the main limitation. <br /><br />The study was funded by The International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) grant. Overall, the study highlights the current usage patterns and decision-making processes surrounding synthetic ligament augmentation among foot and ankle surgeons and other orthopedic subspecialties.

Asset Subtitle

Kenneth J. Hunt, MD, Michael A. Hewitt, BA, Sara E. Buckley, DO, Jonathan Bartolomei, MS, Mark S. Myerson, MD, MaCalus V. Hogan, MD, MBA, FAAOS, FAOA, ISAKOS LAF Committee

Keywords

ligament augmentation repair

orthopedic specialists

use of LAR

decision-making processes

outcomes

complications

benefits

survey

orthopedic surgeons

current use