Clinical outcomes of a modified all-inside arthroscopic repair of anterior talofibular ligament for chronic ankle instability A preliminary report

The present study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a modified all-inside arthroscopic repair technique via anterolateral and accessory anterolateral port for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair. A consecutive series of 32 patients (34 ankles) with chronic ankle instability were included and treated with the modified all-inside arthroscopic repair. The function was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), visual analog score (VAS) score system, the Sefton grading system, and the anterior drawer test and talar tilt test. A total of 29 cases (30 ankles) were followed up for a mean of 33.7 +/- 4.5 (range 30-44) months. Based on the Sefton grading system, 12 patients were regarded as excellent, 13 were good, 2 were fair, and 2 were poor. Twenty-five cases (86.2%) achieved satisfactory functional results. Ankle mobility returned to normal in 93% of patients. The AOFAS scores increased from 55.1 +/- 12.3 (range 25-69) preoperatively to 89.7 +/- 5.9 (range 74-100) (P<.001) at the last follow-up, while the VAS score decreased significantly (P<.001). There was no wound infection or nerve injury in all cases. In conclusion, based on high satisfaction rate in terms of ankle mobility and low complication rate, the modified all-inside arthroscopic repair of ATFL via anterolateral and accessory anterolateral port appears to be an effective treatment method for chronic ankle instability. Further studies are needed.