Purpose: This study analyzed the follow-up results of lateral ankle instability patients without surgery that were recommended surgery from other hospitals. Materials and Methods: From May 2009 to December 2016, a retrospective study was conducted on 55 chronic lateral ankle instability patients at least five years of follow-up and an average of seven years or more. Nonoperative treatment was performed after one time of rehabilitation exercise training at the authors’ hospital. At the final follow-up, a physical examination and sports activity survey were done.Visual analogue scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scale were measured, respectively. For 37 patients who revisited, an anterior drawer test was done. In addition, the progression of arthritis was confirmed by a weight-bearing radiographic examination and instability was checked in stress radiographic examination. Results: The average follow-up period of the 55 patients was 88.78 (60–136) months. The average VAS was 0.98 (0–4). None of the patients had restrictions of activities of daily living. For 37 patients who revisited, at the final follow-up, the mean FFI score was 11.27 (1–45), and the FAAM subscale scores were 79.35 (activities of daily living subscale) and 27.08 (sports subscale), respectively. As a result of the physical examination, the mean grade of anterior drawer test decreased from 2.08 at the first visit to 2.02 at the final follow-up. At the final follow-up, radiological examination showed no case of progression of degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint. The average value of anterior drawer stress X-ray was measured from 5.64 mm at the first visit to 5.47 mm (contralateral side 4.99 mm) at the final follow-up, and the average value of varus stress X-ray was measured from 12.03° at the first visit to 13.62°(contralateral side 10.62°) at the final follow-up. Conclusion In lateral ankle instability patients with nonoperative treatment after an average follow-up of more than seven years, ankle functions were good. There were no cases of progression to degenerative arthritis on radiological examination.

Background: Toe ganglion cysts are often symptomatic and recurrent. Communicating lesions between ganglion cysts and the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) or tendon sheath make it difficult to prevent a recurrence. Temporary restriction of the joint and tendon motion can facilitate surgical site healing. This study analyzed the clinical results of temporary pin fixation of the IPJ after toe ganglion cyst excision. Methods: Sixteen patients with symptomatic toe ganglion cysts underwent surgical treatment. Excision alone was initially performed on 10 patients. Six patients underwent temporary pin fixation of the IPJ after ganglion cyst excision. Repeat excision with pin fixation was performed for recurrence in two patients after excision only. Clinical evaluations and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Fourteen of 16 toe ganglion cysts were located near the IPJ. Two cysts not adjacent to the joint completely healed after excision alone. Seven of 14 cysts near the joint recurred after initial excision alone and required repeated reoperation. Eight cysts did not recur after excision with pin fixation, including 2 that recurred after excision alone. Conclusions Temporary IPJ pin fixation after excision for ganglion cysts can be effective for preventing the recurrence of ganglion cysts adjacent to toe IPJ.