Early range of motion training after ligament reconstruction of the ankle joint

Early range of motion training after ligament reconstruction of the ankle ligaments for chronic ankle joint instability was evaluated. Forty patients were operated on with anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments, i.e. shortening, imbrication and reinsertion. The patients were randomized postoperatively between two groups: (1) immobilization for 6 weeks in a plaster cast and (2) early range of motion training, in a Walker-Boot. Both groups underwent an identical rehabilitation program. with peroneal strengthening and co-ordination training after 6 weeks. The functional results were evaluated using a scoring scale and the mechanical stability with standardized stress radiographs. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. The functional results were satisfactory in 16 (80%) of the patients in group I, and 19 (95%) in group II. The mean values of anterior talar translation and talar tilt were not significantly different between the groups preoperatively nor at follow-up. The mean time period for sick leave was significantly shorter for group II, 6.5±1.6 weeks compared with 8.5±1.8 weeks for group I. The mean time period for return to sports activity was significantly shorter for group II, 9.5±2.2 weeks, compared with 12.5±2.6 weeks for group I. Early range of motion training is recommended after ligament reconstruction of the ankle, as it will enable earlier return to sports activities, shorter sick leave and preserved mechanical stability.     

Early mobilization versus immobilization after ankle ligament stabilization

Functional outcome, stability at radiographic investigation and ankle joint torque after anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments were evaluated in patients with early postoperative mobilization versus those with cast immobilization. Thirty patients with chronic lateral ligament instability of the ankle underwent anatomical reconstruction of the ligaments. Postoperatively the patients were randomly allocated to two groups: Group A (n=15) were immobilized in a below-knee plaster for 6 weeks and Group B (n=15) underwent early controlled range of motion training using an Air-Cast ankle brace. The functional results were evaluated using a scoring scale and objective results using standardized stress radiographs. Also eccentric and concentric muscle torque at 60 degrees/s was measured in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion, respectively. The functional results were satisfactory in 12/15 ankles in Group A and 14/15 in Group B (n.s.). All the patients with satisfactory results regained normal range of motion. Patients with unsatisfactory results had either residual pain or recurrent instability. In Group B, the strength measurements revealed significantly higher peak torque values after three months in plantar flexion at 60 degrees/s. Six months postoperatively, the torque values did not differ significantly between the groups. Also, there was no group difference in the laxity of the ankle joint, including both anterior talar translation test and talar tilt test, at the two-year follow-up. One patient had a superficial wound infection. We conclude that after the reconstruction of chronic lateral ligament instability of the ankle the functional and stability results were equally good with early postoperative mobilization and 6-week immobilization. However, using early mobilization plantar flexion strength was regained earlier than with cast immobilization, without any risk of short- or medium-term complications, such as increased ankle laxity. We recommend early mobilization after anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments.     

Anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle with a gracilis autograft: a new technique using an interference fit anchoring system

BACKGROUND: Few anatomical and minor invasive procedures have been reported for surgical reconstruction of the lateral ligaments to treat lateral instability of the ankle. Furthermore, there are no standards according to which ligaments should be reconstructed. HYPOTHESIS: A new technique for anatomically reconstructing the lateral ligaments of the ankle using an interference fit anchoring system and determining which ligaments need to be reconstructed according to the results of standard stress radiography of the talocrural and subtalar joints will be effective for treating lateral instability of the ankle. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with lateral instability of the ankle underwent surgery using the proposed interference fit anchoring system. Standard stress radiographs of the subtalar joint were performed, and if the talocalcaneal angle was less than 10 degrees , only the anterior talofibular ligament was reconstructed; if there was a 10 degrees or greater opening of the talocalcaneal angle, both the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament were reconstructed. RESULTS: In the 17 patients who received only the anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction, the mean talar tilt angle on standard stress radiography of the talocrural joint was 14.5 degrees +/- 1.7 degrees before surgery and 2.6 degrees +/- 0.8 degrees 2 years after surgery (P < .0001). For the 4 patients who had both the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament reconstructed, the mean talar tilt angle was 16.5 degrees +/- 1.5 degrees before surgery and 3.0 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees 2 years after surgery (P = .0015). The overall mean talocalcaneal angle on standard stress radiography of the subtalar joint was 11.3 degrees +/- 1.4 degrees before surgery and 3.5 degrees +/- 0.8 degrees 2 years after surgery (P = .0060). CONCLUSION: The proposed system has several advantages, including anatomical reconstruction with normal stability and range of motion restored, the need for only a small incision during the reconstruction, and sufficient strength at the tendon graft-bone tunnel junction, in comparison with the tension strength of the lateral ligaments of the ankle.     

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments. A biomechanical analysis.

The purpose of this study was to perform a biomechanical analysis of several commonly performed operative procedures used to stabilize the lateral ankle. We performed the Evans, Watson-Jones, and Chrisman-Snook procedures on 15 cadaveric ankles and tested the ankles for stability, motion, and isometry of graft placement. The Evans procedure allowed increased anterior displacement, internal rotation, and tilt of the talus when compared to ankles with intact ligaments. Subtalar joint motion was restricted by the Evans procedure. The Watson-Jones procedure controlled internal rotation and anterior displacement of the talus, but was less effective in controlling talar tilt and also restricted subtalar joint motion. The Chrisman-Snook procedure allowed increased internal rotation and anterior displacement of the talus when compared to ankles with intact ligaments. The procedure was effective in limiting talar tilt, but restricted subtalar joint motion. Based on the biomechanical data obtained, we devised a lateral ankle reconstruction with bone tunnels that reproduce the anatomic orientation of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. This ankle ligament reconstruction resists anterior displacement, internal rotation, and talar tilt without restricting subtalar joint motion. Clinical relevance: We found considerable mechanical differences among the more commonly performed lateral ankle reconstructions. It is possible to locate bone tunnels and graft placement so that a more anatomic configuration is achieved.     

Surgical treatment of concomitant chronic ankle instability and longitudinal rupture of the peroneus brevis tendon

Chronic lateral ankle instability can be associated with a longitudinal rupture of the peroneus brevis tendon. Patients with these problems have atypical posterolateral or retromalleolar pain, as well as clinical signs of ligamentous instability. This injury is frequently concomitant with lateral ligament injuries and the injury mechanism is similar; however, the tendon rupture is often missed. Laxity or insufficiency of the superior peroneal retinaculum allows the anterior part of the peroneus brevis tendon to ride upon the sharp posterior fibular edge, resulting in a longitudinal rupture of the tendon. We report on the results after surgical treatment in nine patients (10 ankles) with combined instability of the lateral ankle ligaments and longitudinal rupture of the peroneus brevis tendon. All these patients underwent surgical repair of the peroneus tendon, reconstruction of the superior peroneal retinaculum, removal of the sharp posterior edge of the fibula and correction of the ligamentous instability of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. One constant finding at surgery was a longitudinal intratendineal rupture of the peroneus brevis tendon combined with insufficiency of the superior peroneal retinaculum and insufficiency of the lateral ligaments. At follow-up 3 (2–5) years postoperatively, the functional results were excellent or good in nine ankles and fair in one. All the patients with excellent or good results had resumed their preinjury activity level. We conclude that this lesion should be suspected in patients with lateral ligamentous instability, combined with retromalleolar pain. In these cases, it is important to address both the tendon rupture and the ligamentous insufficiency.     

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with bone-patellar tendon graft in patients with chronic ankle instability: a preliminary report

BACKGROUND: Unsatisfactory long-term results have been reported after use of a Brostr?m repair for patients with chronic ankle ligament insufficiency. HYPOTHESIS: Repair or reconstruction of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments is essential for normal kinematics of the ankle-hindfoot. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Thirteen patients with chronic instability of the ankle were found at operation to have injuries of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, with a lack of healthy ligament margins suitable for suturing. Reconstruction of the ligaments was performed with bone-patellar tendon graft. The score devised by Good et al. was used to assess the patients' clinical condition before the operation and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Before the operation, six patients had a grade 3 clinical condition and seven had a grade 4 condition. At a mean follow-up of 26.5 months, all patients had a grade 1 condition. The average talar tilt of the patients was improved from 18.4 degrees +/- 5.5 degrees to 4.9 degrees +/- 2.6 degrees, and the average anterior drawer sign was improved from 9.1 +/- 2.6 mm to 5.8 +/- 1.6 mm. CONCLUSION: In cases of combined injuries, short-term results of reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments using bone-split patellar tendon graft were good, with a low frequency of complications.     

Diagnostic value of stress radiography in lesions of the lateral ligaments of the ankle

The diagnostic accuracy of inversion and anterior stress radiography in rupture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint was assessed in 56 patients undergoing surgery. In inversion stress radiography, 58 per cent of the patients with confirmed rupture of the lateral ligaments of the ankle had a talar tilt of 10 degrees or more, allowing a predictive value of a positive test of 94 per cent. In anterior stress radiography, 53 per cent of the patients had a posterior tibiotalar distance of 9 mm or more, allowing a predictive value of a positive test of 81 per cent. In measurements of talar tilt and anterior displacement of the talus values higher than normal in the injured ankle may be a sign of a rupture of the lateral ligament.     

Arthroscopic findings in chronic lateral ankle instability: do focal chondral lesions influence the results of ligament reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: There are few studies that have assessed the influence of focal chondral lesions on the results of ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability. HYPOTHESIS: Focal chondral lesions do not influence the results of ligament reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Arthroscopic examination of the ankle was performed on 30 consecutive patients immediately before ligament reconstruction using the palmaris longus tendon. Clinical assessment was performed using the Karlsson scoring scale. A radiologic assessment was performed on stress radiographs of the ankle. Preoperative anteroposterior and lateral weightbearing radiographs of the ankle did not show any joint space narrowing in any ankle. The mean duration of follow-up was 38 months. RESULTS: On arthroscopy, focal chondral lesions were found in 19 ankles (63%). Chondral lesions were located on the medial side of the tibial plafond in 13 ankles (43%), on the lateral side in 2 ankles (7%), on the lateral side of the talar dome in 3 ankles (10%), and on the medial side in 9 ankles (30%). Postoperative mean Karlsson scores in patients without chondral lesions and in those with chondral lesions were 99.1 and 98.4 points, respectively. Postoperative mean talar tilt angles in patients without chondral lesions and in those with chondral lesions were 5.9 degrees and 4.7 degrees , respectively. There were no significant differences in the clinical and radiologic results between patients with chondral lesions and those without chondral lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the lateral ligament can be successful regardless of the presence of focal chondral lesions in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability when preoperative weightbearing radiographs of the ankle do not show any joint space narrowing.     

Single-leg postural equilibrium test

The ability to balance on one leg was tested in 29 patients with chronic posttraumatic functional instability of the ankle joint prior to operative exploration of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint. The results were recorded in seconds and were compared with a control group without functional instability. Patients with ruptured calcaneofibular ligament had a significantly reduced test result compared with patients with uninjured calcaneofibular ligament. Isolated damage to the anterior talofibular ligament did not affect the test result. The patients had a significantly reduced test result on the affected leg, as compared with the unaffected leg and the control group. The single-leg postural equilibrium test is a simple clinical test that is easily used in the objective evaluation of functional instability of the ankle. In chronic functional and mechanical instability, this test seems useful in differentiating between injured and uninjured calcaneofibular ligament.     

A radiological analysis of lateral ligament injuries of the ankle

Patients who presented within 5 days of an inversion injury to the ankle joint, were clinically selected for early radiological investigation and diagnosis of rupture of the lateral ligament of the ankle. Stress tenography was performed in 142 cases, and normal ranges for talar tilt and anterior draws were established in 216 normal ankles. In addition 38 cadaveric ankles were examined by peroneal tenography. No normal connection between the tendon sheath and the ankle joint was demonstrated. Sixty-five patients had positive peroneal tenograms; nine of these were positive only after manipulation. No complications occurred. Surgery was performed on 20 patients and demonstrated that common peroneal tenography was 95% accurate in diagnosing rupture of the calcaneo-fibular ligament. Of the 19 patients with proven calcaneo-fibular ligament rupture, six had a positive anterior draw sign, and nine had talar tilt. In this series both the talar tilt and anterior draw signs were found to be inaccurate. Common peroneal tenography is recommended as the method of choice for demonstrating acute rupture of the calcaneo-fibular component of the lateral ligament.     

The radiological functional testing in fibular ligament lesions--a critical analysis and clinical study

Injuries to the lateral ligaments of the ankle require an accurate diagnosis, especially because most injuries to one ligament are not treated surgically any more. Different stress devices are in use for an objective and standardised assessment of the instability of the ankle joint. In a group of 76 patients with injuries to their lateral ligaments of the ankle we compared posttraumatic instability by radiological stress test as done by hand or by a Telos stress device. In 25 patients treated by surgery an additional intraoperative stress X-ray (talar tilt) was performed. The results of the instability tests done by hand versus those obtained with a Telos stress device showed a poor correlation (r = 0.786). An analogous result was obtained by comparing the Telos device stress views to the intraoperative stress controls done by hand (r = 0.771). Only the pre- and intraoperative measurements by hand showed a good correlation (r = 0.958). The results are discussed with reference to a biomechanical model and recommendations for routine diagnosis are proposed.     

改良Broström法结合带线锚钉治疗陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤的疗效分析

 目的 探讨改良Broström法结合带线锚钉治疗陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤的临床疗效。方法 选取2013-02至2016-08陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤30例,均在武警湖北总队医院行改良Broström法结合带线锚钉治疗,比较患者术前与术后6个月疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)、距骨前移距离、距骨倾斜角度及AOFAS评分,评价治疗效果。结果 全部患者均获随访6~24个月。VAS评分:术前(7.63±1.31)分,术后6个月(2.23±1.22),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);距骨前移距离:术前(10.62±2.24)mm、术后6个月(3.21±1.12)mm,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);距骨倾斜度:术前(11.45°±2.64°)、术后6个月(4.32°±1.21°),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);AOFAS评分:术前(64.98±6.07)分,术后6个月(92.08±3.22)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),踝关节功能评级:优20例,良8例,优良率93.33%。结论 改良Broström法结合带线锚钉修复术操作简单、创伤小、疗效显著、安全性高,是治疗陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤的有效方法。     

Graded stress radiography in acute injury to the lateral ligaments of the ankle

The diagnostic accuracy of graded stress radiography in 26 patients with acute injury to the lateral ankle ligaments has been compared with findings at arthrography and surgery. Measuring talar tilt angles and anterior talar displacement over a range of pressures applied to the distal tibia using a commercially available stress device allows diagnostic distinction between isolated anterior talofibular ligament injury and a combined lesion that involves the calcaneofibular ligament. The results compare well with arthrographic and surgical findings.     

Subtalar instability of the foot: A review and results after surgical treatment

Most subtalar ligamentous injuries occur in combination with ankle ligament injuries, but the exact aetiology and the true incidence remain unknown. The aim of this study was to review the problem, propose a definition and to analyze the results of an anatomic reconstructive surgical technique in the treatment of subtalar instability. Twenty-two patients suffering from chronic subtalar instability of the foot were operated with anatomical reconstruction. The cervical, the lateral talo-calcaneal and the calcaneo-fibular ligaments were imbricated and reinforced with the lateral root of the inferior extensor retinaculum. After a minimum of 2 years follow-up the functional results were excellent or good in 18 of 22 (82%) patients and fair or poor in 4 of 22 (18%). All of the patients with unsatisfactory results suffered from residual ankle pain, two of whom also had residual instability. No reoperations have been performed. Surgical complications were seen in three patients, all minor nerve injuries of the lateral branch of the superficial peroneal nerve. These complications had no bearing on the functional results, however. This procedure was found to be feasible in patients with chronic subtalar instability.     

运动员及演员踝外侧韧带断裂

文章介绍了踝外侧韧带断裂的检查方法,对距腓前与跟腓韧带全断裂者需手术治疗,术后能恢复训练。     

半腱肌移植重建踝关节外侧副韧带及踝关节不稳

目的 探讨半腱肌移植修复陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤及踝关节不稳的有效性.方法 选择陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带损伤患者2例,其中男1例,女1例;男25岁,女17岁.左侧1例,右侧1例.患者入院前均有2年以上反复踝部旋后位扭伤的病史.踝部损伤为Ⅲ度(美国足踝外科学院分度);前抽屉试验及距骨倾斜试验阳性.应力X线片显示距骨倾斜平均21°,且在侧位片显示距骨前脱位.2例均采用同侧自体半腱肌肌腱移植重建踝关节外侧副韧带.结果 2例平均随访8个月.患足局部无肿痛,行走正常,踝关节主动活动与被动活动良好,患足前抽屉试验及距骨倾斜试验阴性,应力X线片检查显示距骨无前脱位,距骨倾斜角＜5°.根据Mazur疗效评分标准,优1例,良1例.患者对踝关节功能主观满意.结论 (1)踝关节外侧副韧带损伤是导致慢性踝关节不稳,甚至踝关节骨性关节炎的常见原因;(2)Brostr(o)m法仍不失为修复新鲜踝关节外侧副韧带损伤的有效方法,但对陈旧性损伤无效.(3)采用自体半腱肌肌腱修复重建陈旧性踝关节外侧副韧带的方法简单,有效,对于治疗踝关节不稳、防止踝关节骨性关节炎的发生具有重要的作用.     

Injuries of the lateral ankle ligaments: classification with tenography and arthrography

To assess the value of tenography of the peroneal tendon sheaths and of arthrography of the tibiotalar joint for the diagnosis and classification of recent ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments, the authors performed a prospective study on 108 patients with inversion trauma of the ankle. All patients underwent tenography. Arthrography was performed if results of tenography were negative. All patients with positive tenographic or arthrographic results underwent surgery. Tenography proved to be reliable in the diagnosis of injuries of the calcaneofibular ligament (sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 87%-94%). The positive predictive value of tenography in combination with arthrography was 100% for the diagnosis of lateral ligament ruptures. The authors conclude that a combination of arthrography and tenography is a reliable method for diagnosing recent ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments and for differentiating between isolated ruptures of the talofibular ligament and combined lesions of both the talofibular and the calcaneofibular ligaments.     

Anatomical reconstruction versus tenodesis for the treatment of chronic anterolateral instability of the ankle joint: a 2- to 10-year follow-up, multicenter study

The clinical outcome of anatomical reconstruction or tenodesis in the treatment of chronic anterolateral ankle instability was assessed in a retrospective multicenter study. The anatomical reconstruction group (group A) consisted of 106 patients (mean age at operation 24 ± 8.4 years) and the tenodesis group (group B) of 110 patients (mean age at operation 26 ± 11.4 years). Patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.8 years in group A and 5.2 ± 2.9 years in group B. The review protocol included patient characteristics, physical examination, two ankle scoring scales to evaluate the functional results, and standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs to evaluate degenerative changes. Mechanical stability was evaluated using standardized stress radiographs. A larger number of reoperations was performed in group B (P = 0.008). At physical examination, more patients in group B had a smaller range of ankle motion than those in group A (P = 0.009). ¶A larger proportion of patients in group B had medially located osteophytes, as seen on standard radiographs (P = 0.04). On stress radiographic examination, the mean talar tilt (P = 0.001) and mean anterior talar translation (P < 0.001) were seen to be significantly greater in group B than in group A. There were no differences in mean Karlsson score between the groups, but more patients in group A had an excellent result on the Good score (P = 0.011). Unlike anatomical reconstructions, tenodeses do not restore the normal anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments. This results in restricted range of ankle motion, reduced long-term stability, an increased risk of medially located degenerative changes, a larger number of reoperations, and less satisfactory overall results.     

膝关节韧带联合损伤的关节镜治疗后康复护理效果分析

目的探讨关节镜下膝关节前交叉韧带、后交叉韧带、内侧副韧带、外侧副韧带、后外侧结构联合损伤的康复护理效果。方法2003年10月—2005年11月,采用关节镜下重建交叉韧带,修复或重建侧副韧带和后外侧结构治疗急性膝联合韧带损伤12例。术后早期等长肌力练习、早期完全负重、早期本体感觉练习、早期被动练习。出院后随诊并功能评分。结果12例均获得随访,随访时间6~24个月,平均14个月。Lysholm评分:优2例,良8例,可2例。关节稳定性良好,有2例腘绳肌腱重建者抽屉试验Ⅰ度阳性。膝关节屈曲超过120°者9例,90~120°者3例。结论膝关节联合韧带损伤关节镜手术治疗配合正确的康复护理可取得良好效果。     

Anatomie und Kinematik der Sprunggelenke des Menschen

In the ankle (talocrural) joint, the lower end of the tibia and fibula embrace the trochlea tali. Thus, an approximately uniaxial joint is formed which permits dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot against the leg. Due to the geometry of the trochlea tali, conjunct lateral rotation of the fibula against the tibia occurs at the tibiofibular articulations synchronously with active dorsiflexion at the ankle joint. Movements at the talocrural joints are mainly limited by the opposing muscles as well as by strong collateral ligaments. Talus and calcaneus form a functional unit connected by posterior and anterior articulations. The posterior articulation is the subtalar (talocalcaneal) joint; in the anterior articulation, talar facets of the calcaneus together with the posterior surface of the navicular and the superior fibrocartilaginous surface of the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament form a concavity for the talar head. Thus, the talocalcaneonavicular joint is a compound and--like the subtalar joint--a multiaxial articulation. On the weight-bearing foot, the distal tarsus and metatarsus are pronated and supinated against the talus in order to maintain plantigrade contact. When the foot is off the ground, these movements are modified to eversion and inversion, also involving the calcaneocuboid joint. In addition, movements between the calcaneus and cuboid also occur during pronative or supinative changes between the fore- and hindfoot. Limitation of movements is due to leg muscles as well as strong ligaments. Finally, the cuneonavicular, cuboideonavicular, intercuneiform and cuneocuboid joints permit some additional alterations of the loaded foot in contact with the ground.