关节镜联合韧带缝合治疗外踝不稳的短期疗效

目的随访采用关节镜手术联合小切口辅助下缝合距腓前韧带缝合术式治疗的患者，分析此术式治疗慢性外踝不稳的近期疗效，为进一步推广应用提供依据。 方法回顾性随访自2016年1月至2018年5月，选择保守治疗无效的踝关节机械性不稳患者，排除功能性不稳、足踝部畸形等其他病史的患者。共纳入了西南医院关节外科63例应用关节镜手术联合韧带缝合术治疗慢性外踝不稳的患者。记录围手术期并发症，采用配对t检验分析术前与术后1年以上末次随访的踝关节视觉模拟疼痛(VAS)评分、美国足踝骨科协会踝与后足(AOFAS)评分。 结果患者末次随访较术前踝关节VAS评分、AOFAS评分明显改善，差异有统计学意义(t＝17.8、20.8，两者均P<0.01)。关节镜手术探查发现：合并软组织撞击征47例，撕脱性骨折24例，前踝骨性撞击征11例，距骨软骨损伤8例，关节游离体8例，腓骨肌腱脱位1例。患者术后均无严重并发症。 结论关节镜手术联合韧带缝合术治疗慢性外踝不稳，可以获得较理想的近期疗效。该联合方案，既可以应用关节镜微创术处理踝关节内合并损伤，又可以使用锚钉技术缝合距腓前韧带，具有操作相对简单，并发症低的优势。     

Ankle arthroscopy in children

INTRODUCTION

Arthroscopy of the ankle has gained acceptance as a procedure for diagnosing and treating chronic and post-traumatic ankle problems. The senior author''s perception is that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under-diagnoses anterior soft tissue impingement lesions in children. The purpose of this study was retrospectively to analyse the outcome of ankle arthroscopy in the paediatric age group.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 2005 and September 2007, 23 children underwent ankle arthroscopy for post-traumatic pathology. The indications for arthroscopy were failure of non-operative treatment for at least 12 weeks or a grade 3 or 4 osteochondral defect (OCD) on imaging.

RESULTS

At arthroscopy, OCDs were visualised in 12 cases and impingement lesions were seen in 17 ankles. MRI was performed in 8 of these 12 cases and only 1 suggested the possibility of an impingement lesion. Of the 17 cases of impingement seen on arthroscopy, 12 reported mechanical symptoms preoperatively and 4 were unstable on examination under anaesthetic. Eighteen of the twenty-three patients had complete relief of symptoms at 3 months. Eighteen children who were evaluated at one-year follow up had a mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 87. 5 (range: 49-100).

CONCLUSIONS

Ankle arthroscopy has a successful outcome in paediatric patients and the results are comparable with those reported in adult series. MRI was found to be insensitive for the diagnosis of soft tissue impingement of the ankle.     

Acute and chronic lateral ankle instability in the athlete

Ankle sprain injuries are the most common injury sustained during sporting activities. Three-quarters of ankle injuries involve the lateral ligamentous complex, comprised of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The most common mechanism of injury in lateral ankle sprains occurs with forced plantar flexion and inversion of the ankle as the body's center of gravity rolls over the ankle. The ATFL followed by the CFL are the most commonly injured ligaments. Eighty percent of acute ankle sprains make a full recovery with conservative management, while 20% of acute ankle sprains develop mechanical or functional instability, resulting in chronic ankle instability. Treatment of acute ankle sprains generally can be successfully managed with a short period of immobilization that is followed by functional rehabilitation. Patients with chronic ankle instability who fail functional rehabilitation are best treated with a Brostrom-Gould anatomic repair or, in those patients with poor tissue quality or undergoing revision surgery, an anatomic reconstruction.     

踝关节镜前后联合入路治疗踝关节撞击综合征

目的 :分析踝关节镜前后联合入路对踝关节撞击综合症患者镜下行清理的临床疗效及术中注意事项。方法:回顾性分析自2011年4月至2015年4月采用踝关节镜治疗并获得完整随访的17例踝关节撞击综合症患者,其中男12例,女5例;手术时年龄22~47岁,平均32.4岁。结合患者临床症状和影像学评估予踝关节镜清理,并去除引起症状的撞击部位,术后常规予非甾体消炎药和关节内注射透明质酸钠治疗。采用AOFAS(美国足踝外科协会)后足-踝评分,Ogilvie-Harris踝关节评分对术前情况及术后末次随访情况进行评分。结果:17例手术中情况:关节镜下显示前外踝撞击征8例,前内踝撞击征2例,前踝撞击征2例,后踝撞击征2例,3例为同时合并前后踝撞击。术中清除增生的骨赘,引起撞击的下胫腓前韧带远侧束,距腓前韧带,滑膜组织和疤痕组织。4例同时合并关节软骨损伤,软骨损伤面积约1 mm×3 mm至1.5 mm×4 mm大小。术中同时采用直径1.2 mm的克氏针行钻孔微骨折处理。17例术后随访时间8~24个月,平均14.3个月。AOFAS评分由手术前的62.30±5.20增加至术后的87.60±5.40。Ogilvie-Harris踝关节评分由手术前的6.70±0.98增加至术后的12.80±1.21。术后患者均无神经血管损伤,无伤口感染,愈合不良等并发症。患者有不同程度的踝关节肿胀,于术后4~8周逐步消失。结论:对踝关节撞击综合症患者,前后联合入路可以有效清除引起踝关节撞击的骨性撞击和软组织撞击,结合术后非甾体消炎药和关节内注射透明质酸钠治疗,可以有效缓解踝痛症状,达到较好的治疗效果。     

Ankle Arthroscopy: II. Indications and Results

Diagnostic indications for the use of ankle arthroscopy include unexplained pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, hemarthrosis, and locking or popping, as well as a negative workup in a patient with significant ankle symptoms unresponsive to conservative care. Therapeutic indications include injuries of the articular cartilage and soft tissue, bone impingement, debridement of soft-tissue lesions, synovectomy and loose-body removal, arthrofibrosis, ankle fractures, and osteochondral defects. Ankle arthroscopy can also be used in ankle-stabilization procedures and arthrodesis, as well as for irrigation and debridement of septic arthritis. An algorithm has been developed to facilitate selection of the appropriate treatment for a patient with chronic ankle pain of unknown etiology. When used for the appropriate indications, ankle arthroscopy appears to give good results.     

Role of Arthroscopy in Various Ankle Disorders

IntroductionAnkle arthroscopy has come a long way since it was thought, it is not feasible because of tight joint and anatomical characteristics of ankle joint. The same anatomical features like capsular attachment and safe accessory portals are used to access the whole joint even with a rigid arthroscope. Ankle distraction method was routinely used to access the anterior ankle. However, nowadays, anterior arthroscopy is done in dorsiflexion as this increases the anterior ankle joint volume, and thereby easy access to various anatomical structures. On the other hand, intermittent traction is used to access the posterior ankle. Initially used as a diagnostic tool, ankle arthroscopy is now used extensively as a therapeutic and reconstruction tool. New evidence is published for all inside ligament reconstructions, effective management of impingement syndromes, and osteochondral lesions. The indications are being extended to fracture management and arthrodesis.MethodologyThis narrative review was performed following a literature search in the Pubmed database and Medline using the following keywords: ankle arthroscopy, portals, ankle OCD, functional outcome. Related articles were then reviewed.ConclusionComplications rate is reduced with a better understanding of the relative anatomy of surrounding neurovascular structures and tendons with regard to the position of ankle joint. This review on ankle arthroscopy focuses on anatomy, indications, and complications. Ankle arthroscopy is a safe and elegant tool as any other joint arthroscopy.     

Ankle arthroscopy in industrial injuries of the ankle

Industry-related injuries to the foot and ankle are not uncommon. These cases are often difficult to evaluate with respect to degree of damage and even more difficult to quantitate with regard to functional impairment. This article represents an attempt to determine the role of ankle arthroscopy in the evaluation of ankle injuries that involve compensation or liability. A retrospective review was conducted. The study group consisted of 40 patients who underwent a total of 42 arthroscopic procedures. The patients were evaluated with regard to the mechanism of injury and clinical manifestations. Pain and swelling were the most common preoperative symptoms. The majority of patients had pain localized to the lateral and anterolateral ankle. There were a high percentage of positive bone scans that correlated well with bone pathology but poorly with soft-tissue pathology. Computed tomography (CT) scans were equivalent to tomograms in the demonstration of bone pathology. Follow-up was obtained in 24 patients. At least 50% of the patients had some improvement in their symptoms. Thirty-three percent believed there was no change, and 17% said they were worse. Over 70% of the patients were able to return to work, although 20% had to change their occupation. Fifteen percent were considered disabled. In patients without a specific diagnosis, ankle arthroscopy was helpful in establishing a diagnosis. Ankle arthroscopy allows a direct assessment of intra-articular damage or arthrosis that may guide the clinician in further treatment and aid in the assessment of functional impairment.     

Operative costs associated with arthroscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation of acute ankle fractures

BackgroundAnkle fractures are a common orthopedic injury that frequently involves associated cartilage lesions, soft tissue damage, and a significant inflammatory burden. Despite studies revealing intra-articular pathology in up to 79% of ankle fractures, only 1% of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures undergo arthroscopic evaluation. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of ankle arthroscopy performed at time of ORIF for ankle fracture.MethodsAn IRB approved retrospective review of patients who sustained ankle fractures and underwent ORIF with and without concomitant arthroscopic surgery between 2015 and 2020 were investigated. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, outcomes, and cost data were collected and analyzed.ResultsThere were 567 total ORIF and 28 ORIF and scope included for cost analysis purposes. Total surgical costs averaged $6,537.62 and $6,886.46 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. Total direct costs, including operating room time, for the same procedures were found to average $6,212.34 and $7,312.10 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. The cost difference between the ORIF only and with arthroscopy was not statistically significant (p = 0.1174). Twelve of the 28 arthroscopic patients (42.86%) had grade 3 or full thickness chondral lesions, and 11/28 (39.28%) arthroscopic patients were found to have grade 1–2 cartilage changes.ConclusionIn the acute treatment of ankle fractures, concurrent arthroscopic evaluation does not add a significant cost to the procedure and may result in improved short and long term benefits for the patient. With improved arthroscopic efficiency, the cost differential can be further reduced.LOEIV.     

Arthroscopic treatment of soft-tissue impingement lesions of the ankle in adolescents

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are common injuries in adolescents. Most are treated conservatively with rest, ice, antiinflammatory medication, and rehabilitation. A small percentage of patients develop chronic pain and functional instability secondary to intraarticular soft-tissue impingement. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ankle arthroscopy for the treatment of functional instability of the ankle with pain specifically in adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19 years. METHODS: We evaluated 11 patients at an average of 25 (range 15 to 38) months after arthroscopic debridement. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score was used to evaluate outcomes. In addition, four questions were asked: 1) Are you satisfied with the outcome of your surgery? 2) Would you have the procedure again? 3) Would you recommend it to a friend? 4) Have you returned to your preinjury level of activity. RESULTS: The average postoperative AOFAS score was 95 (range 75 to 100). We found that 10 of 11 patients had good to excellent results with arthroscopic debridement of soft-tissue, intraarticular impingement lesions. All but one patient was satisfied with the procedure and all stated that they would have the procedure again. Two patients had repeat injuries and one subsequently developed reflex sympathetic dystrophy. These two patients had not yet returned to their preinjury level of activity at last followup. CONCLUSIONS: We found ankle arthroscopy to be a safe and effective means of treatment in adolescents with functional instability from soft-tissue ankle impingement.     

A Comparison of Split Peroneus Brevis Tendon and Semitendinosus Allograft Tendon for Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction

Lateral ankle instability is a debilitating condition that is often unresponsive to conservative therapy. Many techniques for operative repair have been proposed, most commonly performed as the Broström or modified Broström procedure. In patients with failed primary repair, hereditary collagen disorders, strenuous work activity, obesity, or ligamentous laxity, the Broström repair is less likely to be successful, and anatomic or nonanatomic reconstruction should be considered. The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes and patient satisfaction between anatomic and nonanatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligament complex for lateral ankle instability using a retrospective cohort study. We evaluated 64 ankles in 62 patients who underwent either a split peroneus brevis tendon (n = 36) or semitendinosus allograft tendon reconstruction (n = 28) for lateral ankle instability performed by the same surgeon. Postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (p = .943) and patient satisfaction (p = .279) found no significant difference between either technique. Our results suggest that both split peroneus brevis and semitendinosus allograft may be viable alternatives for lateral ankle instability when primary ligamentous repair is not attainable.     

Acute lateral ankle sprain alters muscle and tendon properties: Case series

BackgroundAcute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most prevalent acute sports trauma. Ankle muscle atrophy and tendon volume decrease have not been analyzed concomitantly with functional impairment and pain following LAS. The objective of the present study was to investigate muscle cross-section area (CSA), tendon CSA and volume, ankle function, and pain in individuals who suffered an acute LAS.MethodsA series of cases, cross-sectional study with 20 participants who suffered moderate (grade II) and severe (grade III) acute LAS was undertaken. CSA for muscles (Tibialis Posterior, Fibularis, and Soleus) and tendons (Tibialis Anterior, Tibialis posterior, Fibularis, and Achilles), and volume were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) less than 48 h (baseline) and 6-weeks after the acute LAS. Ankle function (Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool [CAIT] and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score [FAOS]), ankle mechanical instability (Anterior Drawer Test [ADT]), and pain were also assessed.ResultsAll tendons and muscles showed a significant reduction in CSA and volume between baseline and 6-weeks (P < .001). A significant decrease in ankle function was observed 6 weeks after the LAS, along with a reduction in pain and mechanical instability (P = .001). Regarding sprain magnitude, the only difference observed was greater atrophy in muscle CSA in participants with grade III ankle sprain.ConclusionPatients with acute LAS showed atrophy of ankle muscles and decreased tendon volume and CSA, followed by function impairments at 6-week follow-up.Level of evidenceIV, Case series study.     

关节镜治疗踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征

目的:探讨关节镜治疗踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征的手术技巧及疗效.方法:回顾性分析2019年2月至2020年8月收治的13例踝关节不稳合并前内侧撞击综合征患者.男10例,女3例;年龄(40.0±15.1)岁;病程(44.1±33.2)个月.所有患者有明确扭伤史,MRI证实踝关节距腓前韧带损伤,踝关节背伸时存在前内侧疼...     

Distraction-free ankle arthroscopy for anterolateral impingement

The origin of chronic pain after external ankle sprain is better known with arthroscopy’s contribution. Chronic hypertrophic synovitis of the anterolateral ankle region is seemingly the cause, resulting in “anterolateral ankle impingement.” But is partial synovectomy with fibrosis resection under arthroscopy always possible without any distraction? Are results affected? This retrospective study concerned only patients with soft tissue ankle impingement. All cases with bone and joint diseases were excluded. The final sample of 24 patients had a mean age of 35 years (21–54 years) and presented anterolateral mechanical pain associated with oedema following external ankle sprain. Medical and rehabilitative treatment was undertaken for more than 6 months before arthroscopy. Average time between trauma and arthroscopy was 21 months (5–60 months). Clinical examination revealed no ankle instability or laxity. Debridement with joint lavage was systematically performed under arthroscopy without any distraction. Average patient follow-up was 22 months (12–92 months). All patients had a good Kitaoka score, with 22 patients registering excellent results. There were no septic complications or algodystrophy. Two transient hypoesthesias were observed in the dorsal surface and lateral border of the foot with full postoperative recovery at 6 months. Distraction was never used and simple dorsiflexion was sufficient to perform arthroscopic debridement. In this study, anterolateral ankle impingement diagnosis was primarily clinical. Arthroscopic treatment yielded significant benefits on pain, oedema and resumption of sport activities. Arthroscopic treatment of anterolateral ankle impingements is thus possible with simple dorsiflexion and no distraction, resulting in a possible decrease in complication rates. Level of evidence Retrospective cohort study, Level IV.     

Prognostic factors of acute ankle sprain: Need for ultrasonography to predict prognosis

BackgroundAnkle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. To guide management decisions, a clear insight into the relevant subgroups of patients with a potentially better or worse prognosis is important. This study aimed to evaluate injury severity, using ultrasonography (US), as a prognostic factor of acute ankle sprain and other possible factors including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), level of job activity, and level of sports activity.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 28 patients with acute ankle sprain who reported at initial examination with an acutely twisted ankle. All patients had received a standard physical examination, radiography and standard ultrasound, to diagnose specific ligament injuries and their ankle sprain had been treated using standard conservative management. Various data including age, sex, BMI, level of sports activity, level of daily job activity, and final functional score (Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores, FAOS) were obtained. Mean comparison and correlations were used to assess risk factors. Risk factors associated with functional outcomes were evaluated using a multiple linear regression test.ResultsAt final follow-up as 1 year after injury, FAOS differed significantly for injury severity, age, and BMI. There were no significant differences in sex, job activity, and exercise levels. The factor most affecting FAOS for both pain (FAOS-Pain) and symptoms (FAOS-Sx) was the number of completely torn ligaments. Age was the most important factor affecting the FAOS-Daily Living Activity (ADL). BMI was the most important factor for sports activity level (FAOS-Sports). Age and the number of completely torn ligaments were both important to FAOS-Sports and quality of life (FAOS-QOL).ConclusionThe severity of injury, defined using US, was a prognostic factor for long-term outcome following acute ankle sprain. Therefore, US imaging of acute ankle ligament injury may be important to predict prognosis of acute ankle sprain.     

Trends in operative ankle ligament surgery in Finland between 1986 and 2018

BackgroundAnkle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries. Until the 1990s, ankle ligament injuries were often treated operatively. The aim of this registry study was to determine how the change in treatment practice has affected the number of acute and elective ankle ligament surgeries in Finland.MaterialThe data of ankle ligament injury patients operated between 1 January 1986 and 31 December 2018 was collected from the Finnish National Hospital Discharge Register.ResultsA total of 33,770 ankle ligament injuries were repaired. The incidence of acute ankle ligament injury repair surgery has decreased nearly 80% over the last three decades. No increase in the number of late-stage ankle ligament injury repairs was found.ConclusionThe number of acute and elective ankle ligament surgeries has remained low in the 2000s. This suggests that the occurrence of clinical instability after ankle sprains has not increased, even though acute-phase treatment has become conservative.     

Long-term functional outcomes of all-inside arthroscopic repair of anterior talofibular ligament avulsion fracture

BackgroundThe main purpose of this study was to describe the all-inside arthroscopic technique for repairing anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) avulsion fractures at the attachment points of the fibula and talus, and to evaluate the functional outcomes during long-term follow-up.MethodsThe data of 78 patients with ATFL avulsion fracture treated in our hospital from August 2013 to November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent surgery. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had undergone all-inside arthroscopic treatment or open treatment. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and a 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) were used to evaluate functional outcomes.ResultsThe postoperative follow-up period was 24–48 months. All patients reported subjective improvements to ankle stability without any nerve, blood vessel or tendon complications. At the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the AOFAS, SF-36 or sport participation rate between the arthroscopic group and the open group; however, the KAFS and FAOS were significantly higher in the arthroscopic group than in the open group.ConclusionsFor ATFL avulsion fractures, the all-inside ankle arthroscopic procedure produced better outcomes than did the open procedure. The all-inside ankle arthroscopic procedure provides a minimally invasive technique with acceptable long-term functional outcomes.     

The burden of hardware removal in ankle fractures: How common is it,why do we do it and what is the cost? A ten-year review

BackgroundAnkle fractures account for 9% of all fractures and 40% require surgical management. The ankle is the most common site of hardware removal. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence, indication and economic cost associated with removal of hardware from the ankle.MethodsWe conducted a ten-year retrospective review of 1482 patients treated by open reduction internal fixation for an unstable ankle fracture. Skeletally immature patients were excluded. Data collected was cross referenced from patient medical records, the radiological and electronic patient database. The casemix and hospital inpatient enquiry system (HIPE) were used to calculate costs.ResultsThe mean age was 39.9 years with 53.6% male. 185 patients (12.5%) underwent hardware removal with unplanned removal performed in 6% of cases. The average cost of removal was €1113.ConclusionRemoval of hardware continues to be a common operation with significant costs to all involved. More than one in 10 patients underwent future removal of hardware.Level of evidence: Level 3.     

Modified Broström-Gould With Gracilis Autograft Augmentation Surgery and Accelerated Noncasted Rehabilitation in High Demand Patients With Lateral Ankle Instability

Lateral ankle instability that has failed conservative management can be physically debilitating. Good outcomes are obtained from Broström-Gould augmented repair techniques, however there are few studies evaluating the use of a gracilis autograft augmentation coupled with an accelerated rehabilitation program in high functional demand patients. We believe that the modified Broström-Gould technique utilizing a Gracilis autograft will provide significant improvements in stability while maintaining normal ankle biomechanics in young, high demand patients. The prospective cohort study involved 19 patients (20 ankles) who underwent surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability by a single surgeon, at a single institution between October 2014 and April 2016. Patients were followed for 33.8 ± 11.7 (range 12-48) months. Patients were assessed both pre- and postoperatively for talar tilt angle radiographically and with both American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hindfoot scores and Karlsson-Peterson scores. A Tegner activity score was taken at the last follow-up. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 68.85 ± 10.57 to 91.56 ± 5.31 points (p < .01) and mean Karlsson-Peterson score increased from 50.9 ± 15.53 to 88.11 ± 8.64 points (p value <.01) when compared preoperatively to mean postoperative follow-up of 33.8 months. Tegner activity score was 7.05 ± 0.89 at last follow-up. The technique was found to be effective in treating chronic lateral ankle instability and in combination with an accelerated rehabilitation protocol, patients returned to their premorbid level of activity with improved stability and no significant effect on donor graft site morbidity.