Carbon fibre reinforcement for chronic lateral ankle instability

Generalized Ligamentous Laxity Is an Independent Predictor of Poor Outcomes After the Modified Broström Procedure for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

BACKGROUND

The modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) has presented outstanding clinical results. However, after the procedure, some patients with generalized ligamentous laxity have experienced a recurrence of ankle instability.

PURPOSE

To understand the effect of generalized ligamentous laxity on prognosis and risk of recurrence in a cohort of patients with CLAI after the modified Broström procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 199 ankles from 188 patients underwent the modified Broström procedure for CLAI with a mean follow-up of 60.1 months (range, 48-108 months). Generalized ligamentous laxity was assessed in all patients. The Karlsson-Peterson ankle score (Karlsson score), talar tilt angle, and anterior displacement of the talus were used to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes. Risk factors associated with clinical outcomes were evaluated using bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Generalized ligamentous laxity was evident in 42 cases (21.1%). The average Karlsson score improved from 54.6 ± 7.1 preoperatively to 87.9 ± 7.2 at last follow-up (P < .001). The presence of generalized ligamentous laxity was significantly associated with poor clinical and radiological outcomes. The rates of clinical failure were 10.8% and 45.2% in the nonlaxity group and the laxity group, respectively (P < .001). According to bivariate analysis, generalized ligamentous laxity, syndesmosis widening, osteochondral lesion of the talus, high preoperative talar tilt angle (>15°), and high preoperative anterior displacement of the talus (>10 mm) were significantly associated with clinical failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that generalized ligamentous laxity was the most important independent predictor of clinical failure after the modified Broström procedure. The cumulative success rates for the nonlaxity group were significantly superior to those for the laxity group in Kaplan-Meier curves (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Generalized ligamentous laxity is an independent predictor of poor outcomes and a risk factor of recurrent instability following the modified Broström procedure for CLAI.

The varus ankle and instability

Varus ankle associated with instability can be simple or complex. Multiple underlying diseases may contribute to this complex pathologic entity. These conditions should be recognized when attempting proper decision-making. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical reconstruction. Whereas conservative treatment might be a possible approach for patients with simple varus ankle instability, more complex instabilities require extensive surgical reconstructions. However, adequate diagnostic workup and accurate analysis of varus ankle instability provide a base for the successful treatment outcome.

Treatment of lateral ankle instability with transfer of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle

Ankle sprains are the most common injuries sustained during sports and physical exercise. Treatment is usually conservative because most of these injuries heal without consequence. However, some injuries may be followed by chronic lateral pain and instability, and surgical stabilization is sometimes necessary. In select cases, there is little or no residual ligament or scar tissue remaining for late reconstruction. Proximal transfer of the origin of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle as a substitute for deficient ligament tissue can be used in these difficult cases. During the years 1971 to 1992, 13 ankles in 10 patients underwent surgery using the proximal extensor digitorum brevis muscle transfer method. At follow-up, all the ankles manifested functional stability and were stable with no clinical drawer sign. All had a normal range of motion in the ankle joint but showed a desired decreased supination range of motion throughout the hindfoot and ankle. The functional Karlsson scores were 84.5 +/- 18.8 before injury, 26.4 +/- 18.7 before surgery, and 83.6 +/- 18.7 at follow-up. Thus, the extensor digitorum brevis muscle transfer seems to be a useful alternative method of long-term ankle stabilization in these difficult chronic case; the results correlate well with a few other studies using this method.

Complications of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction

Complications after ankle ligament reconstruction are infrequent, but present significant challenges to the treating orthopaedist. Local wound problems and nerve injuries may cause difficulty in the early postoperative period. Recurrent instability may be attributable to failure of the operation, poor rehabilitation, reinjury, or unrecognized predisposing factors. Postoperative stiffness of the subtalar and ankle joints frequently is reported after anatomic and nonanatomic tenodesis procedures and may cause significant morbidity. The current author reviews reported complications and treatment options in failed lateral ankle ligament surgery.

Complications of use of carbon fibre in the temporomandibular joint: a case report

The aetiology of recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation is numerous. A case is described of frequent dislocation which was finally treated using a carbon fibre sling. However this was removed 3 years later due to the presence of a radiolucency in the head of the condyle. Radiographic and photographic appearances of this carbon fibre induced radiolucency are shown.