The Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Predicting Deltoid Ligament Ruptures in Ankle Fractures

Good rate of satisfaction but suboptimal clinical outcome at long-term follow-up in a large series of patients who had operative stabilization of the deltoid ligament of the ankle

PURPOSE

To report results following deltoid ligament reconstruction in a large series of patients.

METHODS

For consecutive patients who had a medial ankle ligament stabilization 2010-2018 information from their medical files was registered, and they were invited for follow-up in 2021-2022. They answered questions about satisfaction with the treatment and current symptoms, and they completed the Foot and Ankle Measurement (FAAM) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the 503 patients, 342 (68%) had a history of trauma to the ankle and 114 (23%) had previous ankle surgery. 67% had other procedures (besides synovectomy) simultaneous to medial ligament reconstruction. 269 patients (54%) responded to the invitation for follow-up. For 182 (71%) of the responders, the operation solved their ankle problems. 163 (63%) were satisfied with the surgery. 192 (71%) would repeat the operation. 173 (67%) had pain in the ankle during the past week, and 86 (50%) of these were not able to run. FAAM ADL-scores were significantly higher than in a mixed group of ankle/foot patients but not normal.

CONCLUSION

The relatively high degree of satisfaction despite suboptimal clinical results may reflect the complex nature of the deltoid ligament insufficient ankle. It is concluded that repair or reconstruction of the deltoid ligament is only performed in patients reporting ankle instability and with peroperatively demonstrated medial instability and pathology to the ligament.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Deltoid ligament injuries: A review of the anatomy, diagnosis and treatments

PURPOSE

Ankle sprains remain the most common soft tissue injury presenting to Emergency Departments. Recently, there has been increased awareness and reporting of deltoid ligament injuries in association with injuries to the lateral ligament complex as well as with fibula fractures. This article reviews the currently available literature on the anatomy of the deltoid ligament, clinical and radiological diagnosis of injuries to the deltoid ligament and treatment recommendations.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted for keywords associated with deltoid ligament injuries. MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase databases were utilised for this search. Articles were included if involving an adult population, were English-language, were related to deltoid ligament injuries (with or without associated injuries) and reported on patho-anatomy, clinical or radiological diagnosis or treatment methods.

RESULTS

A total of 93 articles were assessed for relevance from the database search, and 47 were included after the removal of irrelevant articles and duplicates. Several studies reported on the clinical findings of deltoid ligament injury, as well as the radiographic analysis. Arthroscopy was considered the gold standard of diagnosis, with authors reporting on the potential benefit of performing arthroscopic repair or reconstruction at the same time. There were no studies that provided a system for the classification of deltoid ligament injury or larger studies of treatment pathways. Long-term studies of the incidence of instability in deltoid ligament injuries were not available.

CONCLUSION

There is limited evidence available regarding deltoid ligament injuries, particularly in terms of treatment options, either in isolation or with concomitant injuries. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to obtain more accurate data on the number of complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

A systematic review on how to diagnose deltoid ligament injuries-are we missing a uniform standard?

BACKGROUND

Up to now, there is no convincing evidence, that surgical treatment of deltoid ligament injuries, especially in the setting of ankle fractures, does result in improved outcome. One reason could be a missing diagnostic standard. The aim of the current systematic review was to analyze the applied diagnostic strategies for acute deltoid ligament injuries in outcome studies.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Central, and EMBASE were searched through February 2022 for any original studies addressing diagnostics of acute deltoid injuries. The study was conducted per the PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria were formed according to the PICOS criteria. The data assessed were study type, level of evidence, included fractures, time point and method of diagnosing deltoid ligament layers, differentiation between layers and syndesmotic injuries.

RESULTS

31 studies were included in the final analysis. Most studies (n = 28) based their decision to treat the deltoid ligament injury on radiologic findings only, with stressed radiographs (n = 18) being the most common. The radiographs were applied at one or more time points (preoperative, before ORIF, after ORIF, after ORIF and syndesmotic repair). The most frequently assessed parameter was the Medial Clear Space (MCS, n = 27) with cut-off-values considered pathological ranging between MCS > 1 mm and MCS > 6 mm.

CONCLUSION

Comparing the 31 studies shows that a standardized method to diagnose deltoid ligament injuries is missing. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines on how to diagnose acute deltoid ligament injuries.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospero ID: CRD42022307112.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

not applicable.

The additional value of weight-bearing radiographs in assessing stability of isolated type B fibular fractures

INTRODUCTION

In isolated type B fibular fractures, the decision whether to operate or treat conservatively is principally based on congruency and stability of the ankle joint. The purpose of the current study is to examine the additional diagnostic value of the weight-bearing radiograph (WBR) in assessing stability of potentially unstable type B fibular fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients were selected based on who presented an isolated type B fracture of the fibula. Unstable fractures were directly planned for surgery. Other patients underwent additional weight-bearing imaging 4-7 days after initial trauma, on which definitive treatment was based. The medial clear space (MCS) was compared between the WBR and the conventional radiograph.

RESULTS

A total of 70 patients were included in the period January 2018-December 2021. The average MCS on conventional mortise radiograph was 3.56 mm compared to 3.02 mm on the WBR(p<0.05). The superior clear space (SCS) was equal between both groups (respectively 3.12 mm and 3.08 mm, p = 0.44). All 70 patients were initially treated conservatively with immediate weight-bearing in a brace or soft cast. One patient had the need for open repair and internal fixation due to non-union.

DISCUSSION

Different techniques for the assessment of deep deltoid ligament integrity exist, such as the MRI, the ultrasonography and different kinds of stress test radiographs. As fractured ankles don't need direct fixation and operative treatment can be postponed, a stepped approach for the assessment of deep deltoid ligament (DDL) integrity can be of assistance in assessing ankle stability. In isolated type B fibular fractures a stepped approach, using the weight-bearing radiograph can be of additional value in assessing the stability. It is a low cost, prevents unnecessary surgery and contributes to a quick weight-bearing non-operative treatment.

SSR white paper: guidelines for utilization and performance of direct MR arthrography

OBJECTIVE

Direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) is often considered the most accurate imaging modality for the evaluation of intra-articular structures, but utilization and performance vary widely without consensus. The purpose of this white paper is to develop consensus recommendations on behalf of the Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) based on published literature and expert opinion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Standards and Guidelines Committee of the SSR identified guidelines for utilization and performance of dMRA as an important topic for study and invited all SSR members with expertise and interest to volunteer for the white paper panel. This panel was tasked with determining an outline, reviewing the relevant literature, preparing a written document summarizing the issues and controversies, and providing recommendations.

RESULTS

Twelve SSR members with expertise in dMRA formed the ad hoc white paper authorship committee. The published literature on dMRA was reviewed and summarized, focusing on clinical indications, technical considerations, safety, imaging protocols, complications, controversies, and gaps in knowledge. Recommendations for the utilization and performance of dMRA in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot regions were developed in group consensus.

CONCLUSION

Although direct MR arthrography has been previously used for a wide variety of clinical indications, the authorship panel recommends more selective application of this minimally invasive procedure. At present, direct MR arthrography remains an important procedure in the armamentarium of the musculoskeletal radiologist and is especially valuable when conventional MRI is indeterminant or results are discrepant with clinical evaluation.

Bone marrow edema at ligament insertion is an accurate MRI sign of deltoid ligament injury

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is effective in diagnosing deltoid ligament (DL) injury but its sensitivity in chronic cases is low. Additional diagnostic signs are required to reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the added diagnostic value of bone marrow edema at the ligament insertion (BMELI) of DL to the MRI assessment of chronic DL injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred patients who consecutively came to our institution between November 2018 and December 2021 and underwent arthroscopic surgery for chronic ankle instability (CAI) were enrolled in the present study. Preoperative MR images were retrospectively reviewed by two orthopedic surgeons to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and interobserver reliability of three MRI signs in diagnosing chronic DL injury, namely, abnormal ligamentous morphological characteristics (ALMC), BMELI and medial clear space (MCS).

RESULTS

Taking arthroscopy as the reference standard, there were 34 patients with and 66 without DL injury. ALMC had 64.71% (22/34; 46.47-79.70) sensitivity and 83.33% (55/66; 71.71-91.00) specificity, BMELI had 70.59% (24/34; 52.33-84.29) sensitivity and 95.45% (63/66; 86.44-98.82) specificity and MCS had 26.47% (9/34; 13.51-44.65) sensitivity and 92.42% (61/66; 82.50-97.18) specificity. Compared with ALMC, BMELI had similar efficacy in superficial cases (P = 0.06) and greater efficacy in deep cases (P = 0.04). All three signs showed good interobserver agreement (kappa values all above 0.7).

CONCLUSION

BMELI can reliably indicate concomitant injury to the DL in CAI patients. Using BMELI as a sign of chronic DL injury when ALMC is unclear may reduce the risk of a false negative diagnosis.

Stress Tests for Deltoid Ligament and Syndesmosis Injury in Patients With Ankle Fracture: A Systemic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of various stress tests for deltoid ligament and syndesmosis injury in patients with ankle fracture.

DATA SOURCES

A systemic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published from January 1990 to August 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies that evaluated external rotation or gravity stress tests or hook or tap tests for the diagnosis of deltoid ligament or syndesmosis injury were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Authors, publication years, study design, index tests, reference standards, demographic features of participants, reliability, and the numbers of true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative subjects were extracted from 14 included studies. Article quality was assessed through the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each index test for each structure were calculated with a random-effects model using the extracted data of true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative outcomes in all relevant studies. The overall diagnostic performance of the different index tests for different structures was determined with the estimation of the area under the curve using the summary receiver operating characteristics curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The gravity stress test and the tap test exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing deltoid ligament injury. The hook test has relatively high accuracy in diagnosing syndesmosis injury. Further studies with large sample sizes are warranted to confirm the results of this review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prediction of anterior tibiotalar ligament injury: measurement of the angle between the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament and talus on MRI

Background

Identification of anterior tibiotalar ligament (aTTL) injury is essential because it influences the surgeon's treatment option and patient prognosis.

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the angle measurement between the talus and posterior tibiotalar ligament (talus-pTTL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with arthroscopically proven aTTL injuries.

Material and Methods

Ankle MRI scans of 67 patients who underwent arthroscopic examination were retrospectively reviewed. The talus-pTTL angle on axial T2-weighted MRI and the medial clear space (MCS) on mortise ankle radiograph were measured. Inter-observer agreement of the measurements was calculated. Also, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were the metrics of diagnostic accuracy.

Results

AUC was 0.90 for observer 1 with 78.6% sensitivity, 97.4% specificity, 88% accuracy, and 54.7° cutoff value for the talus-pTTL angle. AUC was 0.87 for observer 2 with 85.7% sensitivity, 84.6% specificity, 85.2% accuracy, and 53.7° cutoff value for the talus-pTTL angle. AUC was 0.86 with 82.1% sensitivity, 79.5% specificity, and 80.8% accuracy for observer 1 and 0.79 with 57.1% sensitivity, 92.3% specificity, and 74.7% accuracy for observer 2 for the MCS. Different MCS values and additional capabilities when complemented with the angle measurement showed an increase in diagnostic performances. Intra-observer reliability of MCS and talus-pTTL angle of the two radiologists was excellent. Inter-observer reliability of the two radiologists was excellent for both the talus-pTTL angle (0.95) and the MCS (0.85).

Conclusion

Measurement of the talus-pTTL angle showed good sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the evaluation of aTTL injury with excellent inter-observer reliability.

Ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deltoid injury in supination external rotation ankle fractures - A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation (SER)-type ankle fractures are very common and account for up to 75% of all ankle fractures. Assessing deltoid integrity is key for surgical decision making. Ultrasound has been used recently to assess the integrity of the deltoid ligament and differentiate between SER II and SER IV fractures. The aim of this article is to review the literature for studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in this group of patients.

METHODS

After registering the protocol with PROSPERO, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were systematically searched. Studies that satisfied the following inclusion criteria were assessed: (1) Adult patients (>16 years), (2) Acute SER-type ankle fractures assessed within 2 weeks of the injury, (3) Diagnostic accuracy studies. Risk of bias assessment was conducted and a narrative synthesis of the results presented.

RESULTS

A total of five studies satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included for review. These had a total of 175 patients studied. All studies showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 90-100% for detecting a complete tear of the deltoid. All papers had a significant risk of bias inherent to the design. Only patients undergoing surgery were exposed to the gold standard of operative intervention.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound scan has shown excellent diagnostic accuracy for detecting complete deltoid ruptures in SER ankle fractures. These results however should be interpreted with caution. Perhaps a different approach is needed to assess the efficacy of ultrasound scans in patient with SER type fractures.

Defining the Components of the Deltoid Ligament (DL): A Cadaveric Study

Background: The deltoid ligament (DL) is a strong triangle-shaped ligament with a complex fascicular arrangement. Understanding the morphological and/or functional typing of the DL structure is hindered by a paucity of clear, quantitative, and reproducible data and is further complicated by inconsistent terminology use. The aim of this work was to describe different components of the DL using strict identification criteria.

Methods: Thirty embalmed cadaveric ankles of both sides were dissected on all sides and studied by using gross examination, micro-dissection, and light microscopy by tracing the fascicular pattern of each under 6X magnification.

Results: Six ligamentous bands were identified. The tibiotalocalcaneal ligament (TTC) and the superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament (sPTT) were two superficial variants and the anterior tibiotalar ligament (ATT), the anterior tibiotalonavicular ligament (ATTN), the intermediate tibiotalar ligament (ITT), and the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (dPTT) were four deep variants. The TTC was identified in all 30 embalmed cadaveric specimens. Five additional ligamentous bands (ITT, sPTT, dPTT, ATT, and ATTN) were variable findings in the current cohort.

Conclusion: This study presents six ligamentous bands as a regular finding and five additional ligamentous bands as variable findings in the dissected specimen. This data could assist in the radiological diagnosis of DL injuries and advanced procedures related to its surgical repair and reconstruction.

Diagnostic tools to evaluate ankle instability caused by a deltoid ligament rupture in patients with supination-external rotation ankle fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures account for the majority of ankle fractures and can be divided into stable or unstable fractures, based on the state of the deltoid ligament. The objective of this review was to appraise the available literature concerning diagnostic tools to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity in patients with SER-type ankle fractures.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of Pubmed and Embase was performed up to December 2020. The outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of the diagnostic tools. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain an overview of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC). The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies investigating tools for deltoid ligament rupture in patients with SER-type ankle fractures were included. The present study found sensitivity (and specificity) ranges of 0.20-0.90 (and 0.38-0.97) for clinical features, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 0.57-0.85 (and 0.81-1.00), ultrasonography 1.00 (and 0.89-1.00), Malleolar Medial Fleck Sign (MMFS) 0.25 (and 0.99), conventional ankle mortise radiography 0.33-0.57 (and 0.60-0.94), gravity stress radiography 0.71-1.00 (and 0.72-0.88) and manual stress ankle radiography 0.65-1.00 (and 0.00-0.77). The largest AUC was found for ultrasonography, followed by MMFS, gravity stress radiography and MRI.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography and gravity stress radiography seem the most accurate diagnostic tools to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity. To strengthen this conclusion, future research should use an identical reference test to ensure comparability of results. Nevertheless, present study is of high value to close the knowledge gap about which presently available diagnostic tool is to be preferred to evaluate deltoid ligament integrity in patients with SER-type ankle fractures.

The additional value of weight-bearing and gravity stress ankle radiographs in determining stability of isolated type B ankle fractures

GOAL

The aim of this study is to investigate whether weight-bearing and gravity stress radiographs have additional value in predicting concomitant deep deltoid ligamentous (DDL) injury in case of isolated Weber type B fibular fractures. This may help to make the clinically relevant distinction between unstable fractures and fractures that can be treated conservatively.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 90 patients with an isolated type B ankle fracture, without a medial or posterior fracture, and a medial clear space (MCS) < 6 mm on the regular mortise (RM) view were included. In all patients, an additional gravity stress (GS) view and an MRI scan were performed. Furthermore, in 51 patients, an additional weight-bearing (WB) radiograph was performed. The MCS and superior clear space (SCS) measurements of these radiographs were compared with MRI findings to measure sensitivity and specificity in excluding deep deltoid ligament (DDL) rupture.

RESULTS

The mean MCS on the RM view was 3.32 mm (1.73-5.93) compared to 4.75 mm (2.33-10.40) on the GS view and 3.18 mm (1.93-6.9) on the WB radiograph. MRI showed a high-grade or complete deltoid ligament tear in 25 (28%) patients. Using an MCS cut-off value of ≥ SCS + 2 mm, the RM view showed 0% sensitivity and 97% specificity in diagnosing a DDL rupture. Both the GS view (with MCS ≥ SCS + 3 mm as cut-off value) and the WB radiograph (with cut-off value MCS ≥ SCS + 2 mm) showed 6% sensitivity and 100% specificity.

CONCLUSION

The gravity stress and weight-bearing radiograph can accurately exclude DDL injury. They might have extra value in addition to the conventional mortise view in assessing the stability of isolated type B ankle fractures. This helps in deciding whether patients should be selected for operative or safe conservative treatment.

Deltoid Ligament Injuries Associated With Ankle Fractures: Arguments For and Against Direct Repair

Ankle fractures are an extremely common orthopaedic injury treated by surgeons on a routine basis. The deltoid ligament is torn in a large number of these fractures and is commonly seen with associated radiographic changes of medial clear space widening. The clinical relevance of addressing the injured deltoid ligament with acute surgical repair has been debated for decades. The early literature documenting repair or reconstruction of the deltoid ligament dates back to the 1950s. Most commonly, orthopaedic surgeons restore the lateral column directly with fibula fracture fixation. The injury may then be further evaluated intraoperatively by stress testing to ensure syndesmosis integrity and mortise stability with indirect medial column reduction, which allows for secondary healing of the medial deltoid ligamentous complex. This popular treatment paradigm is based primarily on literature from the 1980s and has not been thoroughly evaluated with modern surgical implants, techniques, and research methods. A review and background of the supportive literature for and against deltoid ligament repair in the setting of acute ankle fractures is presented. Undeniably, the deltoid ligament complex has been proven to confer some element of stability to maintaining a congruent ankle mortise. The commonly cited data in favor of not repairing the deltoid ligament warrants careful consideration to allow accuracy in obtaining the best patient outcomes with the most predictable surgical methods available.

Correlating Arthroscopic and Radiographic Findings of Deep Deltoid Ligament Injuries in Rotational Ankle Fractures

BACKGROUND

The deep deltoid ligament (DDL) is a key stabilizer to the medial ankle and ankle mortise and can be disrupted in ligamentous supination external rotation type IV (LSER4) ankle fractures. The purpose of this study was to define the medial clear space (MCS) measurement on injury mortise radiographs that corresponds with complete DDL injury.

METHODS

A retrospective record review at a level 1 hospital was performed identifying patients with LSER4 ankle fractures who underwent arthroscopy and open reduction internal fixation. Chart reviews provided arthroscopic images and operative reports. Complete DDL injury was defined as arthroscopic visualization of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT). Inability to completely visualize the PTT was defined as a partial DDL injury. MCS was measured on injury mortise radiographs. Eighteen subjects met inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twelve subjects had complete and 6 subjects had partial DDL injury based on arthroscopic findings. Patients with complete DDL injury and those with partial DDL injury had injury radiograph MCS ranging from 5.5 to 29.9 mm and 4.0 to 5.0 mm, respectively. All patients with MCS ≥5.5 mm on injury radiographs had complete DDL injury and all patients with MCS ≤5.0 mm on injury radiographs had partial DDL injury.

CONCLUSION

Complete DDL injury was found on injury ankle mortise radiographs as MCS widening of ≥5.5 mm, which correlated with arthroscopic visualization of the PTT. Using this cutoff, surgeons can surmise the presence of a complete deltoid ligament injury, allowing for improved preoperative planning.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

[Nonoperative treatment of isolated fractures of the distal fibula]

Stable ankle fractures can be successfully managed nonoperatively. Unstable fractures on the other hand should be treated surgically as operative management consistently leads to better outcomes. How to define stability in ankle fractures continues to be a controversial issue. Better understanding of the mechanism of injury as well as improved knowledge of ankle biomechanics now enables surgeons to define stability after isolated fractures of the distal fibula with high accuracy. The following article describes commonly used methods to assess ankle stability after isolated fractures of the lateral malleolus, including stress tests and the use of weight-bearing radiographs. By adhering to the described criteria more than 90% of all isolated nondisplaced fractures of the distal fibula can be managed nonoperatively with excellent results.

Effect of Muscle Activation on the Gravity Stress View in Unstable Weber B Ankle Fractures

BACKGROUND

In the setting of apparently isolated distal fibula fractures, the gravity stress view (GSV) is a validated method to determine mortise stability. There is currently no published data evaluating whether dynamic muscle activation can reduce an unstable mortise. If patients with instability can overcome gravity, resultant images could yield false-negative results. The goal of this investigation was to determine if patient effort can influence medial clear space (MCS) measurements in proven unstable bimalleolar-equivalent ankle fractures.

METHODS

Patients presenting with Weber B fibula fractures were assessed for mortise stability using the GSV. If the GSV demonstrated instability based on MCS widening >4 mm, 3 additional views were performed: GSV with an assistant maintaining the ankle in a neutral position; GSV with the patient actively dorsiflexing to neutral; and GSV with the patient actively dorsiflexing and supinating the foot. Twenty-four consecutive patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 48.7 (range, 22-85) years. Fifteen patients (62.5%) were female and 9 (37.5%) were male. The laterality was evenly divided.

RESULTS

The mean MCS was 5.8 ± 2.0 6.0 ± 2.6, and 6.2 ± 2.7 mm for the manual assist, active dorsiflexion, and active supination radiograph measurement groups, respectively (P = .434). Only 5 of 24 subjects had any measurable decrease in their MCS with active supination, with a maximum change of 1.2 mm. The remainder of the patients had an increase in MCS ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mm.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference between measurement states indicating that muscle activation is unlikely to yield a false-negative result on GSV. Mortise instability, secondary to deep deltoid injury in the presence of gravity stress, is unlikely to be actively overcome by dynamic stabilizers, supporting the validity and specificity of the GSV.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prospective study.

The Role of Deltoid Repair and Arthroscopy in Ankle Fractures

Despite the fact that ankle fractures are common injuries, not all patients obtain satisfactory results. Historically, the deltoid ligament injury and intra-articular pathology have not often been treated at the time of fracture stabilization. Recent literature has suggested that repair of the deltoid ligament may lead to better stability of the ankle mortise. Additionally, the use of arthroscopy in conjunction with fracture fixation may allow for better identification and treatment of intra-articular lesions and improve detection and reduction of subtle instability.