Comparative results of conservative treatments for isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury and injury to both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament of the ankle as assessed by subtalar arthrography

Background There have been no reports describing the results of conservative treatment of acute lateral ligament injury of the ankle in detail in terms of the severity of the injury, and the results of conservative treatment for injury with severe instability are still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of nonoperative treatment of acute lateral ligament injury according to its severity. Methods Fifty-five consecutive acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in 54 patients who were treated nonoperatively were followed up as a prospective study. Twenty-seven were male patients and 27 were female patients; the average age was 23.9 years (12–55 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to the extent of the ligament injury: patients with an isolated injury of the anterior talofibular ligament and those with combined injuries of the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament. In addition to the routine examinations for inversion ankle sprain, subtalar arthrography was mainly used to assess the condition of the calcaneofibular ligament. The arthrography was performed an average of 3.5 days after the injury (0–5 days). Results Fifty-five ankles of patients who were treated nonoperatively according to the same protocol were included in this study, and were followed up for an average of 5.0 years (37–86 months). At the time of the final follow-up, 22 of 25 (88%) ankles with an isolated injury to the anterior talofibular ligament were asymptomatic; in contrast, only 9 of 30 (30%) ankles with combined injuries of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament were asymptomatic. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of the isolated injuries was 97.8 points, in contrast to 92.4 points for the combined injuries. Conclusions The results of nonoperative treatment with 1 week immobilization followed by a functional brace were excellent in patients with an isolated injury of the anterior talofibular ligament, but were unsatisfactory in those with combined injuries of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments.     

Stress test and anatomical study of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle

Many authors have discussed on the instability of the ankle joint. We have therefore investigated the variety, courses and the functions of the lateral collateral ligament by dissecting 16 freshly amputated limbs. It was composed of 4 ligaments, i.e., the anterior talofibular, the posterior talofibular, the calcaneofibular and the lateral talocalcaneal ligaments. These ligaments have various courses and influence the stability of the ankle joint in various manners. Transection of the anterior talofibular ligament alone caused inversion and forward instability, and transection of calcaneofibular ligament alone caused adduction instability of the ankle and subtalar joint, but posterior talofibular and the lateral talocalcaneal ligament and other ligaments, however, played an important role in the stability of the ankle joint, so that injuries of the anterior talofibular ligament or the calcaneofibular ligament caused varying degrees of instability in this joint. Conclusion: To evaluate this injury the following methods of taking X-ray pictures are indispensable, namely, stress inversion, stress anterior drawer, and stress adduction radiography.     

Comparison Between the Simultaneous Reconstructions of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament and Calcaneofibular Ligament and the Single Reconstruction of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament for the Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

This study aimed to evaluate the procedures of reconstruction surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability. We compared single anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction to simultaneous reconstructions of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. From 2015 to 2019, 14 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic lateral ankle instability underwent arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction with or without calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction after conservative treatment. Seven patients underwent single anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction (group AT), and 7 patients underwent simultaneous reconstructions of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament (group AC). The Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot scale scores and Karlsson scores significantly improved in all patients 1 year postoperatively. The radiographic measurement of the talar tilt angle and the talar anterior drawer distance at 1 year after surgery were also significantly improved compared to preoperative values. The postoperative talar tilt angle was significantly greater in group AT (median 6°, range 3°-7°) than that in group AC (median 3°, range 2°-5°; p = .038). The postoperative talar anterior drawer distance, Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot scale score, and Karlsson score were not significantly different between the 2 groups.We found that although the clinical outcomes after the anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction with or without the calcaneofibular ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability were good, instability of the talar tilt angle at 1 year postoperatively in patients who underwent single anterior talofibular ligament reconstruction was greater than that in patients who underwent simultaneous anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament reconstructions.     

自体腓骨短肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗慢性踝关节外侧不稳定

目的:探讨自体腓骨短肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗慢性踝关节外侧不稳定的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2016年7月至2019年7月采用自体腓骨短肌腱解剖重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗的42例慢性踝关节外侧不稳定患者,其中男30例,女12例;年龄25～46(37.6±12.4)岁;左足15例,右足27例;受伤至手术时间3～...     

A Rare Pattern of Ligamentous Injury of the Ankle: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Ankle sprains are the most frequent sport related injuries with involvement of the lateral collateral ligament complex occurring in 85% of cases. Isolated anterior talofibular ligament injury is by far the commonest followed by combined anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament strain. The posterior talofibular ligament is the strongest component of the lateral collateral ligament complex and is injured in severe ankle injury along with the other lateral collateral ligaments. While isolated calcaneofibular ligament strain has been reported, calcaneofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament strains with an intact anterior talofibular ligament are rare and reported in cadaveric studies. We present a case of radiologically diagnosed calcaneofibular ligament and posterior talofibular ligament injury and will discuss the anatomy, stress radiography, and magnetic resonance image findings and the mechanism of this particular injury.     

Five year retrospective analysis of the autogenous tendon graft procedure for primary ankle repair and ankle stabilization

A 5-year review regarding the autogenous tendon graft procedure using the peroneal tendons to repair acute ruptures of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, and to correct chronic, unstable ankles is presented. The autogenous tendon graft has been used to limit excessive subtalar inversion in feet with mild-to-moderate calcaneal varus causing an unstable foot and ankle. This is achieved by placing the tendon graft perpendicular or distal to the vertical axis of the lateral malleolus at the calcaneofibular ligament site.     

自体半腱肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗踝关节外侧不稳

目的探讨自体半腱肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗踝关节外侧不稳的临床效果及安全性。方法对16例踝关节外侧不稳患者行自体半腱肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带手术,观察踝关节功能情况。结果患者均获得随访,时间1~3年。术后6、12个月摄踝关节内翻应力位X线片未见距骨倾斜,均未发生复发踝关节外侧不稳。术后AOFAS评分为83.52分±7.26分,明显高于术前的50.45分±4.58分。踝关节功能评定:优8例,良7例,可1例。结论自体半腱肌腱重建距腓前韧带和跟腓韧带治疗踝关节外侧不稳疗效确切,安全性高,是一种较为理想的术式。     

Arthroscopic-Assisted Lateral Ligamentous Reconstruction in Combined Ankle and Subtalar Instability

We describe an arthroscopic technique by which to reconstruct both the calcaneofibular ligament and anterior talofibular ligament anatomically. The ankle joint is examined through the anteromedial portal and a lateral portal close to the talar insertion of the anterior talofibular ligament. The subtalar joint is examined through the anterolateral portal and the middle portal. Associated intra-articular pathology (e.g., osteochondral defect) is evaluated and addressed. The calcaneofibular ligament is an extracapsular structure that can be examined arthroscopically through the anterolateral portal in the extra-articular plane. The peroneal tendon sheath is stripped with a small periosteal elevator through the middle subtalar portal, and the calcaneal insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament is identified. The plantaris tendon is identified and freed through multiple small wounds at the medial calf, and the tendon is cut proximally and retrieved to its calcaneal insertion. A calcaneal bone tunnel (tunnel 1) is created between the plantaris tendon and the calcaneofibular ligament insertions by use of a 3.5-mm drill bit. The tendon graft is then looped onto a suture, and the suture is passed through the tunnel to the calcaneofibular ligament insertion and retrieved to the middle subtalar portal. Through the anterolateral subtalar portal, the fibular insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament is identified. Another bone tunnel is created from this point to the posterior edge of the fibula (tunnel 2) with a 3.5-mm drill through the middle subtalar portal. The fibular insertion of the anterior talofibular ligament is identified on ankle arthroscopy. Tunnel 3 is created from this point to the exit point of tunnel 2 through the lateral ankle portal. The tendon graft is retrieved to the lateral ankle joints through the second and third tunnels and is pierced through the lateral ankle capsule and course from intracapsular to extracapsular. The tendon graft loop is anchored to the insertion point of the anterior talofibular ligament by a 4.0-mm cancellous screw with a spiked washer. The tendon graft is tensioned by pulling the free end of the tendon graft while tightening the screw. The free end of the tendon graft and the stay stitch are sutured to surrounding soft tissue or anchored with another 4.0-mm cancellous screw and spiked washer. The procedure is then completed, and a short leg cast is applied. The patient is advised to perform non–weight-bearing walking for 6 weeks.     

Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with allograft in patients with chronic ankle instability

The management of chronic lateral instability of the ankle remains controversial. In general, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) must be reconstructed in all patients. Some will also need reconstruction of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) (or its function) to regain stability of both the ankle and the subtalar joints, and to avoid recurrence of instability. After reconstruction, most authors report good to excellent results in 80% to 85% of patients. We describe the augmented reconstruction technique of ATFL and CFL with a semitendinosus tendon allograft through a peroneal bone tunnel fixed with biodegradable anchors, and advocate this procedure as a safe, effective method to manage lateral ankle instability.     

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.     

Ruptures of the Lateral Ligaments of the Ankle: Clinical Diagnosis

During the 11-month period 1 October 1977 to 31 August 1978 a total of 44 patients with acute supination trauma of the ankle were examined. The clinical findings were compared with the results of arthrography. This revealed that direct and indirect tenderness of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament respectively, combined with a ≧ 4 cm swelling anteriorly and over the lateral malleolus, indicated a ligament injury with great likelihood. If some of the diagnostic signs are absent, most emphasis should be laid on the swelling over the lateral malleolus and on the direct and indirect tenderness of the calcaneofibular ligament. The talar-tilt test and examination for the drawer sign were of limited diagnostic value.     

Comprehensive reconstruction of the lateral ankle for chronic instability using a free gracilis graft

PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the results of a novel surgical technique for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability using both a direct repair of the anterior talofibular ligament and a free gracilis tendon transfer to reconstruct anatomically the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. METHODS: Between December 1998 and February 2002, 28 patients (29 ankles) underwent an anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments for chronic ankle instability. Patients returned for a clinical and radiologic follow-up evaluation at an average of 23 months following surgery (range, 12-52 months). Outcomes were assessed by comparison of preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and visual analog pain scores as well as a postoperative Karlsson score. A subjective self-assessment rating was also obtained. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative radiographic assessment including talar tilt and anterior drawer stress radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (29 ankles) (100%) returned for final evaluation. Good or excellent outcome was noted on patient subjective self-assessment, pain scores, AOFAS, and Karlsson scores at final follow-up in all patients. Ankle range of motion was not affected by lateral ankle reconstruction. The talar tilt was reduced from a mean of 13 degrees to 3 degrees (p <.0001) and the anterior drawer was reduced from a mean of 10 mm to 5 mm (p <.0001) by the lateral ankle ligamentous reconstruction. CONCLUSION: In the present study, lateral ankle reconstruction with a direct anterior talofibular ligament repair and free gracilis tendon graft augmentation resulted in a high percentage of successful results, excellent ankle stability with a minimal loss of ankle or hindfoot motion, and marked reduction of pain at an average follow-up of almost 2 years.     

Reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability using the palmaris longus tendon: is reconstruction of the calcaneofibular ligament necessary?

The palmaris longus tendon was used to reconstruct the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in 27 ankles with chronic lateral instability. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 23 years, and the follow-up was more than 2 years. The functional evaluation showed excellent or good results in all ankles. Twenty-seven ankles were divided into two groups according to operative findings: group A consisted of 11 ankles with old isolated injury of the ATFL, and group B consisted of 16 ankles with old combined injuries of the ATFL and the calcaneofibular ligament. There were no significant differences in clinical results between group A and group B. The preoperative mean talar tilt angles on stress radiograph in group B were significantly larger than those in group A. At follow-up, there were no significant differences in the mean talar tilt angles between group A and group B. We demonstrate that reconstruction of the calcaneofibular ligament along with the ATFL is not necessary for patients with chronic combined lateral ligament instability.     

Usefulness of oblique axial scan in magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of anterior talofibular ligament in ankle sprain

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the usefulness of the oblique axial scan parallel to the course of the anterior talofibular ligament in magnetic resonance imaging of the anterior talofibular ligament in patients with chronic ankle instability. We evaluated this anterior talofibular ligament view and routine axial magnetic resonance imaging planes of 115 ankles. We diagnosed the grade of the anterior talofibular ligament injury and confirmed full-length views of the anterior talofibular ligament. Associated lesions were also checked. The subjective diagnostic convenience of associated problems was determined. The full-length view of the anterior talofibular ligament was checked in 85 (73.9%) patients in the routine axial view and 112 (97.4%) patients in the anterior talofibular ligament view. The grade of injury increased in the anterior talofibular ligament view in 26 (22.6%) patients compared with the routine axial view. There were 64 associated injuries. The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, and posterior tibialis tendinitis were more easily diagnosed on the routine axial view than on the anterior talofibular ligament view. An additional anterior talofibular ligament view is useful in the evaluation of the anterior talofibular ligament in patients with chronic ankle instability.     

Outcome of the functional treatment of first-time ankle inversion injury

Background  

Avulsion fractures of the lateral malleoli in ankle inversion injuries are often undetected on routine radiographs. Undetected avulsion fractures have been managed as ankle sprain, which may affect the outcome of the treatment of the ankle sprain. The purposes of this study are to compare the outcomes of functional treatment between the first-time severe ligament injury and avulsion fracture of the lateral ankle, and to investigate how the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) view or the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) view affects the diagnosis of the avulsion fracture and outcome of functional treatment of the ankle inversion injury.     

Long-term results of the Chrisman-Snook operation for reconstruction of the lateral ligaments of the ankle

The Chrisman-Snook procedure for instability of the lateral ankle ligaments, first described in 1969, reconstructs the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament using one-half of the peroneus brevis tendon, routed through tunnels in the fibula and calcaneus. In the present long-term evaluation of the results of this procedure, forty-eight of sixty ankles, in fifty-seven patients, were assessed after a mean follow-up of ten years (range, four to twenty-four years). The results were excellent in thirty-eight ankles, good in seven, fair in two, and poor in one. The two ankles with a fair result were improved but still had some persistent instability, while the ankle with a poor result (no improvement) was in a patient with generalized ligament laxity. All three patients with a fair or poor result had had a severe reinjury to the ankle. Based on the findings in this study, we concluded that this procedure will restore good long-term function in a high percentage of patients who are disabled by ankle instability due to unhealed or neglected tears of the lateral ligaments.     

Biomechanical studies of the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle using amputated limbs

In order to study the biomechanical behavior of the lateral ligaments around the ankle joint, strains on the anterior talofibular and the calcaneofibular ligaments were measured under adduction and supination loads. The amount of anterior shift of the talus was also examined under anterior "drawer" force. Specially designed omega-shaped transducers and jig sets to hold a leg and to give various loads to the foot were used for the experiments. Twenty human cadaver specimens of various ages were subjected for the study. The results showed the importance of not only the anterior talofibular ligament but also the calcaneofibular ligament as the stabilizer of the ankle joint and that the calcaneofibular ligament plays an important role in adduction, and the anterior talofibular ligament in both adduction and supination. Transection studies of the ligaments revealed that the calcaneofibular ligament is responsible to some extent for producing positive anterior drawer sign for which, as hitherto considered, the anterior talofibular ligament is the main factor.     

Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound in Ankle Sprain

The present study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of clinical tests and ultrasonography in detecting ankle ligament injuries. In this cross-sectional study, 105 patients with a history of ankle sprain were included. Ankle ligaments, including syndesmosis of ankle, as well as deltoid, calcaneofibular, anterior talofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments were evaluated by clinical tests, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound and clinical tests were assessed in normal, sprain, partial tear, and complete tear groups. The inter-observer reliability (Cohen's Kappa score) of the evaluated techniques with magnetic resonance imaging was assessed. Anterior drawer test showed a sensitivity and specificity of 81 and 80% in the detection of anterior talofibular ligament injuries, respectively. Ultrasonography showed 100% sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing normal anterior talofibular ligament from the torn or sprained ligament with a kappa value of 1. The sensitivity of ultrasonography in detecting normal calcaneofibular ligament and deltoid ligament was 93% and 90%, respectively. Ultrasonography was highly specific in detecting calcaneofibular ligament tear but it was not sensitive in this regard. Ultrasonography was proved reliable in determining the normal anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament from the torn or sprained ligament. Ultrasonography is an effective complementary tool for primary evaluation of ankle injuries, which leads to early diagnosis and efficient quality of care. Clinical tests are not reliable to rule out the ankle ligaments injury and the results should be interpreted with caution.     

MRI appearance of the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament complex injury in the patients with chronic lateral ankle instability

BackgroundThe anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) comprises the superior and inferior fascicles. The inferior fascicle is connected to the calcaneofibular ligament, and forms “lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament (LFTCL) complex”. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of diagnosing LFTCL complex injuries in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI).MethodsForty-eight ankles (35 with CLAI and 13 without CLAI) underwent arthroscopic surgery, and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted with 0.8 mm- thick axial and oblique slices. The diagnostic accuracy of injuries to the superior fascicle and LFTCL complex was evaluated by two observers.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of the LFTCL complex injury were 94.7% and 92.3% for observer 1 and 84.2% and 84.6% for observer 2, respectively.ConclusionsMRI with 0.8 mm slices could detect LFTCL complex injury in patients with CLAI. Diagnosing the LFTCL complex injury on MRI will improve outcomes of an arthroscopic isolated ATFL repair.     

Changes in the flexibility characteristics of the ankle complex due to damage to the lateral collateral ligaments: An in vitro and in vivo study

This study was part of a long-term effort to develop a reliable diagnostic procedure for ankle ligament injuries. Earlier efforts led to the development and validation of a six-degrees-of-freedom instrumented linkage capable of measuring the flexibility characteristics of the ankle complex in vitro and in vivo. The major goal of the present study was to determine if these flexibility measurements are sufficiently sensitive to detect the presence of damage to the lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle joint both in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro testing was conducted on the legs from six fresh cadavers before and after serial sectioning of the anterior talofibular ligament and the calcaneofibular ligament. The flexibility in inversion-eversion, anterior drawer, and internal-external rotation was measured before and after resection of the ligaments. The in vivo testing was conducted on five patients with unilateral injuries to the ankle ligament. The flexibility evaluation used for in vitro specimens was also performed on both the injured and the intact ankles. For the in vitro testing, the data analysis was based on comparison of flexibility values before and after resection of the ligaments, whereas the data analysis for the in vivo testing was based on comparison of the flexibility of the injured joint with that of the intact contralateral joint. The results of the in vitro study indicated that both an isolated rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament and combined damage of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments produce statistically significant changes in flexibility. Furthermore, the most sensitive parameters to the presence of ligament injuries were found to be early flexibility in anterior drawer, early flexibility in inversion, and the amount of coupling between internal rotation and inversion. These parameters provided a basis for differentiating between an isolated injury to the anterior talofibular ligament and a combined anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament injury. For an isolated anterior talofibular ligament injury, a significant increase in flexibility in anterior drawer was present, whereas the increase in inversion flexibility or in the amount of coupling was insignificant. However, the increases in inversion flexibility and the amount of coupling became significant when both ligaments were involved. The results of the in vivo study indicated that significant changes in flexibility can be detected in patients with lateral ankle injuries. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo results suggest that development of a reliable diagnostic test for ankle ligament injury based on changes in passive flexibility may be possible.