Outcome after arthroscopically assisted percutaneous reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments using a gracilis tendon autograft

Abstract

In cases of chronic instability of the lateral ligament complex following an ankle sprain, operative stabilization should be considered when conservative treatment fails. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcome of a percutaneous stabilization of the lateral ligament complex with a gracilis tendon auto-graft, after an adjuvant arthroscopy of the ankle joint. We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of patients who underwent this surgery performed by the senior author. Between 2012 and 2015, 18 ankles were stabilized. Clinical results were assessed at final follow-up at a mean post-operative period of 25 months (range, 10-42 months). The mean post- operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 90 points (range, 48-100 points). The mean Karlsson Ankle Functional Score was 85 points (range, 37-100 points). The mean VAS score was 1.2 (range, 0-7). Concomitant procedures were performed on 14 out of 18 ankles. In conclusion, we state that this arthroscopically assisted percutaneous technique is a viable treatment option for chronic lateral ankle instability. It offers an alternative for the modified Broström procedure when tissue quality is poor and carries all the advantages of a minimally invasive procedure.