OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury and the pathological changes of the anterior tibiotalar fat pad (ATFP) based on MRI. METHODS: The clinical and imaging data of 217 patients with ankle sprain who met the selection criteria between January 2019 and March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 113 males and 104 females with an average age of 38.2 years ranging from 18 to 60 years. Patients were divided into mild group ( n=106), moderate group ( n=63), and severe group ( n=48) according to the degree of ATFL injury. There was no significant difference in gender, side, and body mass index among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). The age of the mild group was significantly older than that of the moderate and severe groups ( P<0.05). The imaging parameters including the longest and shortest sagittal axis, the largest thickness, the longest and shortest transverse axis, the ATFP area, the area of ATFP high-signal region, and the anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA) were measured according to the MRI and X-ray films of patients. According to the morphology of ATFP, the patients were divided into type Ⅰ ( n=128), type Ⅱ ( n=73), and type Ⅲ ( n=16) based on the severity of the lesions. The distribution of ATFP types, ATFP area, area of ATFP high-signal region, and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were statistically analyzed and compared among different ATFL injury groups. Additionally, radiographic parameters were compared across different ATFP types. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between ATFP area, area of ATFP high-signal region, and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level with patient baseline data. Through analysis of the area under curve (AUC) of ROC, optimal variables were selected for quantification to predict ATFL injury. RESULTS: There were significant differences in ATFP types among different ATFL injury groups ( P<0.05). The mild group had a higher proportion of type Ⅰ, the moderate group had a higher proportion of type Ⅱ, and the severe group had higher proportions of both typeⅡ and type Ⅲ. No significant difference was found in ATFP area among the different ATFL injury groups ( P>0.05). However, the area of ATFP high-signal region and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were significantly lower in the mild group compared to the moderate and severe groups ( P<0.05). Except for the longest sagittal axis, maximum thickness, and longest transverse axis, which were significantly smaller in ATFP types Ⅱ and Ⅲ compared to type Ⅰ ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the remaining radiographic parameters among the different ATFP types ( P>0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that ATFP area was negatively correlated with patient gender ( P<0.05), while area of ATFP high-signal region and the ratio of area of ATFP high-signal region to ATFP area at the same level were negatively correlated with patient age ( P<0.05). Through analysis of the AUC for the response variable ATFP injury, the combined diagnostic AUC of ROC for the reciprocal of the maximum thickness and the reciprocal of the area of ATFP high-signal region was 0.839 (asymptotic P<0.001). The corresponding cutoff value when the Youden index reached its maximum was 0.570 3. CONCLUSION As the severity of ATFL injury increases, the ATFP undergoes gradual morphological and functional changes. Classification based on ATFP types can assist in assessing the level of ATFL injury, thereby aiding in the prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Adipose Tissue/pathology* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/diagnostic imaging* ; Ankle Injuries/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effectiveness of simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique in treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability in adolescents. METHODS: A clinical data of 21 adolescent patients with chronic lateral ankle instability, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between June 2023 and May 2024, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 3 females with an average age of 16.0 years (range, 13-18 years). There were 9 cases of left ankle joint injury and 12 cases of right ankle joint injury. Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury was diagnosed by arthroscopy in all patients. There were 11 cases of cartilage injury, 5 cases of avulsion fractures, and 6 cases of ankle impingement syndrome. The time from first sprain to operation ranged from 3-60 months (mean, 12.0 months). The ATFL was repaired and the ankle joint stability was restored by simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Tegner score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson ankle function scale (KAFS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used to evaluate ankle pain and function. MRI was used to evaluate the ligament healing. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 8-15 months (mean, 12.6 months). After operation, 1 patient suffered from superficial peroneal nerve injury, 1 patient developed anterior scar impingement on the ankle, 2 patients had superficial wound infection, and 1 patient suffered from sprain again. The VAS score, Tenger score, AOFAS score, KAFS score, and FAOS score significantly improved when compared with the preoperative scores ( P<0.05). MRI examination showed the ligament healing and good tension. CONCLUSION For adolescent patients with chronic lateral ankle instability, using simplified all-arthroscopic Broström technique to repair ATFL can effectively alleviate ankle pain, improve stability, and achieve good effectiveness.
Humans ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Male ; Adolescent ; Female ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Ankle Joint/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome ; Chronic Disease ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). METHODS: The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values ( t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores ( t=10.851, P<0.001; t=-19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. CONCLUSION The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Suture Anchors ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Chronic Disease ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress on augmentation repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) under arthroscopy. METHODS: The domestic and international studies from the past decade on augmentation repair techniques for the ATFL. The advantages and limitations of each approach were summarized and the outcomes of these augmentation repair techniques when applied to ATFL repair were evaluated. RESULTS: Mechanical augmentation technique (suture tape or internal brace technique, double anchor enhancement technique) can increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will increase the economic burden of the patients; bioenhanced repair technology (inferior extensor retinaculum enhancement, anterior tibiofibular ligament's distal fascicle transfer augmentation) can also increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will damage the anatomical structure in the ankle cavity to a certain extent, and the surgery is difficult, and the operation time will prolong and also increase the incidence of perioperative complications. Regardless of the augmentation repair techniques used, the benefits are higher for patients with high exercise needs, and active postoperative rehabilitation is required to maximize the surgical effect. CONCLUSION Although augmentation repair of ATFL offers several advantages, its use-whether augmentation should be employed and, if so, which technique is preferable-requires further study across patient subgroups owing to increased costs, potential disruption of ankle anatomy, and longer operation time.
Humans ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries* ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Suture Techniques ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Suture Anchors

Acute lateral ankle ligament injuries represent a prevalent form of joint sports trauma, with their occurrence increasing alongside the expanding sports demographic. Inadequate initial management of these injuries can precipitate chronic pain, joint instability, and related complications, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. Chinese medicine, renowned for its long history and extensive experience in treating ligament injuries, is frequently integrated with modern medical practices for a comprehensive treatment approach. Addressing the distinct phases of tissue damage and repair in acute ligament injuries-early, middle, and late-expert group summarizes relevant research evidence and develops a three-stage treatment plan for Chinese medicine, and a new three-phase external treatment protocol was proposed by experts. The focus of the proposed protocol is on "cooling blood to stop bleeding, activating blood circulation and removing stasis, and harmonizing and regenerating new tissue, " tailored to the specific characteristics of each stage. To enhance the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of healthcare professionals and standardize the management of acute lateral ankle ligament injuries, an expert consensus was formulated using a combination of clinical research, practical experience, and the Delphi method. The aim of the consensus is to refine the accuracy and efficacy of diagnosis and treatment through evidence-based practices and expert opinions.
Humans ; Ankle Injuries/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Consensus ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries*

Lateral Ligament, Ankle/injuries* ; Ankle Joint

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effects of arthroscopically artificial ligament reconstruction with tensional remnant-repair in patients who are obese, and/or with demand for highly intensive sports, and/or with poor-quality ligament remnants. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was performed on patients treated by arthroscopically anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) reconstruction with tensional remnant repair technique from January 2019 to August 2021. General data, including demographics, surgical time, and postoperative adverse events, were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), and anterior talar translation were measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Ultrasonography examination was performed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively to evaluate the ATFL. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. F test was used to analyze the pre- and postoperative VAS, FAAM, and AOFAS scores. The significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 20 males and 10 females among the patients with a mean age of (30.71 ± 5.81) years. The average surgical time was (40.21 ± 8.59) min. No adverse events were observed after surgery. At 2 years postoperatively, the anterior talar translation test showed grade 0 laxity in all patients. VAS score significantly decreased from preoperatively to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively (p < 0.001). Improvement of FAAM score and the AOFAS score from preoperatively to 6 weeks, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively was statistically significant (p < 0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, most patients (23/30) could return to their pre-injured activities of daily living status. At 2 years postoperatively, all patients were able to return to their pre-injured activities of daily living status, and almost every patient (18/19) who expected highly intensive sports returned to sports with only 1 obese patient failing to achieve the goal. The ultrasonography examination at 2 years postoperatively showed that there was a linear band structure of soft tissue on the tension-rich fiber tape image from the fibular to the talar attachment sits of ATFL. CONCLUSION The novel arthroscopically artificial ligament reconstruction with tensional remnant-repair technique for ATFL achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes in the short and medium term after operation, and allowed early return to pre-injured activities, which could be a reliable option for patients with chronic lateral ankle instability.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Activities of Daily Living ; Ankle Injuries/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Ligaments ; Obesity ; Arthroscopy/methods*

BACKGROUND: Ankle inversion sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury due to an inward foot twist. It results in pain, swelling, limited movement, instability, and tenderness of the injured ankle. Standard physical therapy (PT) for acute ankle inversion sprain involves cryotherapy, range of motion, balance, and strengthening exercises. Biomechanical Taping (BMT) is an adjunct to PT. OBJECTIVES: To identify the short-term effects of BMT and PT on pain and function of individuals with acute ankle inversion sprains. METHODS: Two licensed physiotherapists screened the participants. Eligible participants were treated 3x/week with BMT and PT, with a day of home exercises in between treatments. Participants answered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Friedman Test was used to determine differences in prepost measurements of VAS and FAAM. RESULTS: 17 participants (10 males: 7 females) with unilateral acute ankle inversion sprains were included in the study with a mean (95% CI) age of 21 (20-22) years. BMT and PT (a) decreased VAS mean rank scores at Treatments 3 and 5 (p<0.05); (b) improved FAAM-ADL mean rank scores in Treatments 1 and 3 (p<0.05); (c) improved FAAM-Sports mean rank scores in all Treatments (p<0.05); and (d) improved in VAS, FAAM ADL and Sports scores between Treatment 1, Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 (p<0.00001). CONCLUSION BMT may be an effective adjunct to PT in improving pain and function of participants with acute ankle inversion sprains. The increased stability created by BMT may underpin the improved pain and function of participants.
Ankle Injuries ; Fascia ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle ; Pain

Ankle sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Although most ankle sprains respond well to conservative measures, chronic instability following an acute sprain has been reported to occur in 20% to 40% of patients. Some individuals are eventually indicated for a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction due to persistent ankle instability. More than 80 surgical procedures have been described to address lateral ankle stability. These range from direct repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) to reconstructions based on the use of autograft or allograft tissues. However, the best surgical option remains debatable. The modified Broström procedure is most widely used for direct ligament repair, but not always possible because of the poor ATFL or CFL quality or deficiency of these ligaments, which prevents effective shortening imbrication. Furthermore, the importance of a CFL reconstruction has been emphasized recently. On the other hand, it is difficult to achieve an efficient CFL reconstruction during the Broström procedure. Others have reported that an anatomic reconstruction of injured ligaments restores the normal resistance to anterior translation and inversion without restricting subtalar or ankle motion, and as a result, anatomic reconstructions for lateral ankle instability utilizing an autograft or allograft tendon have gained popularity.
Allografts ; Ankle Injuries ; Ankle* ; Autografts ; Hand ; Humans ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle ; Ligaments* ; Sprains and Strains ; Tendons*

Radial head excision has always been a safe commonly used surgical procedure with a satisfactory clinical outcome for isolated comminuted radial head fractures. However, diagnosis of elbow instability is still very challenging and often underestimated in routine orthopaedic evaluation. We present the case of a 21-years old female treated with excision after radial head fracture, resulting in elbow instability. The patient underwent revision surgery after four weeks. We believe that ligament reconstruction without radial head substitution is a safe alternative choice for Mason III radial head fractures accompanied by complex ligament lesions.
Adult ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation ; Humans ; Joint Instability ; therapy ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; complications ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed