Intra-articular Lesions in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Comparison of Arthroscopy with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Background

Chronic lateral ankle instability often accompanies intra-articular lesions, and arthroscopy is often useful in diagnosis and treatment of intra-articular lesions.

Methods

Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and arthroscopic findings were reviewed retrospectively and compared in 65 patients who underwent surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability from January 2006 to January 2010. MR images obtained were assessed by two radiologists, and the inter- and intra-observer reliability was calculated. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were evaluated.

Results

Abnormalities of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) were found in all 65 (100%) cases. In arthroscopy examinations, 33 (51%) cases had talar cartilage lesions, and 3 (5%) cases had ''tram-track'' cartilage lesion. Additionally, 39 (60%) cases of synovitis, 9 (14%) cases of anterior impingement syndrome caused by osteophyte, 14 (22%) cases of impingement syndrome caused by fibrotic band and tissue were found. Sensitivity of MRI examination for each abnormality was: ATFL, 60%; osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT), 46%; syndesmosis injury, 21%; synovitis, 21%; anterior impingement syndrome caused by osteophyte, 22%. Paired intra-observer reliability was measured by a kappa statistic of 0.787 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.641 to 0.864) for ATFL injury, 0.818 (95% CI, 0.743 to 0.908) for OLT, 0.713 (95% CI, 0.605 to 0.821) for synovitis, and 0.739 (95% CI, 0.642 to 0.817) for impingement. Paired inter-observer reliability was measured by a kappa statistic of 0.381 (95% CI, 0.241 to 0.463) for ATFL injury, 0.613 (95% CI, 0.541 to 0.721) for OLT, 0.324 (95% CI, 0.217 to 0.441) for synovitis, and 0.394 (95% CI, 0.249 to 0.471) for impingement. Mean AOFAS score increased from 64.5 to 87.92 (p < 0.001) when there was no intra-articular lesion, from 61.07 to 89.04 (p < 0.001) in patients who had one intra-articular lesion, and from 61.12 to 87.6 (p < 0.001) in patients who had more than two intra-articular lesions.

Conclusions

Although intra-articular lesion in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability is usually diagnosed with MRI, its sensitivity and inter-observer reliability are low. Therefore, arthroscopic examination is strongly recommended because it improved patients'' residual symptoms and significantly increased patient satisfaction.     

人工LARS韧带在慢性踝关节外侧不稳定中的应用

目的 探讨人工LARS韧带在慢性踝关节外侧不稳定中的应用疗效。方法 回顾性分析北部战区总医院骨科2018年1月至2019年12月收治的30例慢性踝关节外侧不稳病例的临床资料,均为男性,年龄为（23.1±5.3）岁（18~27岁）,左踝19例,右踝11例。由同一位医生采用仰卧位全关节镜下行外踝Y形人工LARS韧带重建术。观察术后2周切口愈合情况,术前及术后12个月内翻应力位距骨倾斜角度。记录术前及末次随访时美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统、踝关节功能Kofoed评分、疼痛视觉模拟量表（visual analogue scale,VAS）评分。术后指导病例行相关康复锻炼。结果 病人随访时间为（12.6±1.7）个月（12~24个月）,全部病例踝关节切口愈合情况佳,无感染等并发症发生,术后恢复满意。AOFAS评分和Kofoed评分分别由术前（42.20±5.98）分、（66.17±3.31）分提升至术后（80.63±5.39）分、（81.60±4.35）分,VAS评分由术前（7.63±0.85）分降至术后（1.03±0.67）分,内翻应力位距骨倾斜角度由术前14.73°±1.46°缩小至术后12个月的2.83°±1.01°,差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。术后各项康复锻炼均达到预期目标。结论 应用人工LARS韧带治疗慢性踝关节外侧不稳疗效满意,具有踝关节稳定性好,快速恢复运动等优点,有效避免下肢深静脉血栓形成及肌肉萎缩,值得在临床上推广。     

Chronic Lateral Instability of the Ankle: Method of Reconstruction Using the Achilles Tendon

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments ad modum Storen, using the medial one third of the Achilles tendon as a nourished transplant is a relatively unknown procedure. Thirty patients operated on using this technique have been evaluated. the mean observation time was 4 years (range 1/2–16 years). All patients but one had a stable ankle joint and were satisfied. One was reoperated after sustaining a new injury 6 months after the original operation. the method described is a good alternative to other methods of ligamentous reconstruction. the procedure also stabilizes the subtalar joint and corrects recurrent subluxation of the peroneal tendons.     

Chronic Lateral Instability of the Ankle: Method of Reconstruction Using the Achilles Tendon

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments ad modum Storen, using the medial one third of the Achilles tendon as a nourished transplant is a relatively unknown procedure. Thirty patients operated on using this technique have been evaluated. the mean observation time was 4 years (range 1/2-16 years). All patients but one had a stable ankle joint and were satisfied. One was reoperated after sustaining a new injury 6 months after the original operation. the method described is a good alternative to other methods of ligamentous reconstruction. the procedure also stabilizes the subtalar joint and corrects recurrent subluxation of the peroneal tendons.     

Preoperative Assessment of the Peroneal Tendons in Lateral Ankle Instability: Examining Clinical Factors,Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sensitivity,and Their Relationship

The purpose of our study was to examine the preoperative clinical factors and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings associated with peroneal pathology in chronic lateral ankle instability patients, as well as the clinical factors associated with peroneal lesions being detected on MRI. Peroneal pathology was determined from intraoperative findings. Patients with/without peroneal pathology were compared regarding their preoperative clinical findings. MRI reports were examined to determine the sensitivity of detecting peroneal pathologies. Clinical factors were compared between patients (N = 238) with undetected and detected peroneal lesions on MRI. Conservative treatment, preoperative physical therapy, and lack of a traumatic inciting event were associated with peroneal pathology. MRI had a sensitivity of 61.11% for detecting peroneal pathology. No clinical factors were significantly different between “detected” and “undetected” cases. Certain historical factors were associated with peroneal pathology in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability, and MRI had a high false-negative rate. Surgeons should exercise caution when ruling out peroneal pathology based on preoperative physical examination or MRI.     

In Vivo Kinematics of Functional Ankle Instability Patients and Lateral Ankle Sprain Copers During Stair Descent

Patients with mechanic ankle instability experience increased tibiotalar and subtalar joint laxity. However, in vivo joint kinematics in functional ankle instability (FAI) patients and lateral ankle sprain (LAS) copers, especially during dynamic activities, are poorly understood. Ten FAI patients, 10 LAS copers, and 10 healthy controls were included in this study. A dual fluoroscopic imaging system was used to analyze the tibiotalar and subtalar joint kinematics during stair descent. Five key poses of stair descent were analyzed. Kinematic data from six degrees of freedom were calculated utilizing a solid modeling software. The range of motion and joint positions in each degree of freedom were compared among the three groups. The tibiotalar joints of FAI patients and LAS copers were significantly more inverted than those of healthy controls during the foot strike (p = 0.016, = 0.264). The subtalar joints of FAI patients were significantly more anteriorly translated (pose 2, p = 0.003, = 0.352; pose 3, p < 0.001, = 0.454; pose 4, p = 0.004, = 0.334), inverted (pose 4, p = 0.027, = 0.234; pose 5,p = 0.034, = 0.221), and externally rotated (pose 4, p = 0.037, = 0.217; pose 5; p = 0.004, = 0.331) than those of healthy controls during the mid‐stance and the heel off. The FAI patients showed excessive tibiotalar inversion and subtalar joint hypermobility during stair descent. Meanwhile, the LAS copers maintained subtalar joint stability, and only showed excessive tibiotalar inversion in foot strike. These data provide insight into the mechanisms behind the development of FAI after initial LAS. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1860–1867, 2019     

Lateral Instability of the Ankle Treated by a Modified Evans Procedure

A technically simple tenodesis of the peroneus brevis tendon has been applied in the treatment of 42 patients with lateral instability of the ankle; 33 patients have been examined 2-10 years after the operation and 91 per cent showed excellent or good results. It is concluded that this procedure gives good stability in the varus as well as the antero-posterior direction and is therefore comparable to the technically more difficult Watson-Jones procedure.     

Lateral Instability of the Ankle Treated by a Modified Evans Procedure

A technically simple tenodesis of the peroneus brevis tendon has been applied in the treatment of 42 patients with lateral instability of the ankle; 33 patients have been examined 2-10 years after the operation and 91 per cent showed excellent or good results. It is concluded that this procedure gives good stability in the varus as well as the antero-posterior direction and is therefore comparable to the technically more difficult Watson-Jones procedure.     

Associations between MRI Findings and Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Ankle Sprain

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an accurate method of observing and diagnosing injuries of the ligament complex of the ankle. However, the association between ankle symptoms and MRI findings has been unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between ankle pain and MRI findings. This prospective study included 40 patients with ankle pain after inversion injury and 10 healthy volunteers. Correlations among the ankle symptoms (tenderness on the anterior talofibular ligament, pain during varus stress in a neutral and plantarflexed ankle), and MRI findings were analyzed. A complete tear of the anterior talofibular ligament correlated with ankle pain during varus stress in the neutral position (r = 0.365, p = .031) and tenderness at the anterior talofibular ligament (r = 0.362, p = .032). The results of our study suggest that a complete tear of the anterior talofibular ligament will correlate with lateral ankle pain.     

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Using an Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Flap: A Retrospective Study

Chronic lateral ankle instability causes significant problems with physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of ligamentous retensioning combined with reinforcement using an extensor retinaculum flap. A consecutive series of 38 patients were included with a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years. The functional results were assessed using the Karlsson and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale scores. The pre- and postoperative radiologic assessment was performed using stress radiographs to measure varus tilt and anterior drawer tests. All 38 patients were followed up for 2.5 to 7.2 years, and 35 patients were satisfied. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score had improved significantly from 57 (range 20 to 70) points preoperatively to 95 (range 80 to 100) points postoperatively (p < .0001), and 35 patients believed their ankle was more stable after surgery. The patients had returned to their previous sports activities an average of 4.7 (range 2 to 12) months after surgery. On the stress radiographs, the mean talar tilt angle had improved significantly from 15.2° (range 6° to 26°) preoperatively to 3.8° (range 1° to 8°) at the final follow-up visit (p < .001), and the mean anterior talar had improved significantly from 13.2 (range 8 to 18) mm preoperatively to 4 (range 4 to 7) mm at the final follow-up visit (p < .002). Regarding the prognostic factors, a link was found between the functional result and residual radiologic laxity measured on the stress radiographs. Reconstruction of the lateral ligaments for chronic ankle instability combining capsuloligamentous retensioning and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum flap resulted in successful outcomes, excellent ankle stability, and preservation of ankle joint mobility. This technique addressed both lateral ankle and subtalar instability by developing an extraarticular interosseous ligament.     

Open Evaluation of the Peroneal Tendons Should Be Considered in Patients With Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Undergoing Ankle Arthroscopy With Lateral Ankle Stabilization

Peroneal tendon pathology is commonly associated with chronic lateral ankle instability. Foot and ankle surgeons often rely on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for identification of related pathology and surgical planning in these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of preoperative MRI to accurately detect peroneal tendon pathology in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability. Consecutive surgical cases involving arthroscopic evaluation and management of lateral ankle instability sequelae were evaluated retrospectively. Preoperative MRI were compared to intraoperative findings in order to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. Eighty-two patients met inclusion criteria, 58 females and 24 males. The average age at the time of surgery was 46 years (range 13-75). Peroneal tendon pathology was identified intraoperatively in 76 (92.7%) patients and on MRI in 40 (48.8%) patients. The most commonly identified pathologies were tenosynovitis, tendinopathy and longitudinal split/tear, with the peroneus brevis tendon being most commonly involved. MRI was 38.7% specific, 50.0% sensitive, had a positive predictive value of 92.5%, and a negative predictive value of 7.1%. While MRI is a helpful study for evaluation of co-pathologies and surgical planning in patients with lateral ankle instability, procedural selection should not be solely based on MRI results, and the peroneal tendons should be evaluated intraoperatively in patients undergoing arthroscopic procedures for lateral ankle instability.