Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair in Combination With Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament Distal Fascicle Transfer for The Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Finite Element Analysis.

In recent years, anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfers for anterior talofibular ligament augmentation repair have proposed. However, a comprehensive biomechanical study on the anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer is still lacking. We are established four distinct groups, namely the normal, the anterior talofibular ligament rupture, the anterior talofibular ligament repair, and the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer. We assessed the anterior drawer test and varus stress test of the ankle in each group. Moreover, we employed the model to simulate and compute the total displacement and von-Mises stress of the talus cartilage at varying gait phases, including foot strike, tibia vertical, and toe-off phases. The results of the anterior drawer test and varus stress test revealed that the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group exhibited greater closeness to the normal group. Regarding von-Mises stress in cartilage, the three gait instants had higher values in the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group than the other groups. Nevertheless, regarding total displacement, the toe-off phases exhibited higher values in the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group than the other groups. Using ATiFL-DF transfer to augment ATFL repair is a potential feasible procedure. However, this procedure could potentially compromise the anterior tibiofibular ligament's contribution to the dynamic stability of the ankle. Therefore, we recommend conducting further in-depth research to ensure the suitability and success of this technique in a clinical environment.

Comparative Evaluation of Metallic and Biodegradable Suture Anchors in Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament Injury: A Short-term Study on Clinical and Functional Outcomes.

BACKGROUND With the development of arthroscopy and suture anchor, the modified BrostrÓ§m technique has made remarkable progress. However, it is unclear which material is most suitable for treating anterior talofibular ligament injury (ATFL). This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of 2 suture anchors (metal vs biodegradable materials) in arthroscopic ATFL repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2018 to December 2019, 82 patients with ankle disorders (51 men and 31 women) with ATFL injury received arthroscopic repair with suture anchor through the BrostrÓ§m-Gould procedure. The mean age was 38.70±9.35 years (range, 18-54 years). Each patient was followed up. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate functional status and pain. RESULTS All patients were followed up for 21.21±2.19 months (range, 18-25 months). No complications were found either group. Preoperative clinical and functional scores in both groups had no significant difference (P>0.05). The functional score increased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). At the last follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 93.00 (90.00, 96.00) in the Biodegradable group and 93.50 (91.00, 96.00) in the Metallic group (P=0.31). The mean KAFS score was 91.50 (85.00, 95.00) in the Biodegradable group and 93.00 (90.00, 95.50) in the Metallic group (P=0.10); the mean VAS score was 1.50 (1.00, 1.80) in the Biodegradable group and 1.30 (0.98, 1.70) in the Metallic group (P=0.22). CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic repair of ATFL injury with suture anchors can improve the prognosis of CAI. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and functional outcomes with metal or biodegradable suture anchors at short-term follow-up.

Three-dimensional Mapping Analysis of Talus Fractures and Demonstration of Different Surgical Approaches for Talus Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The talus is an important component in the ankle, and its treatment after injury is crucial. However, complications and adverse events due to incomplete traditional classifications may still occur, and these classifications fail to analyze the patterns and distribution of fractures from a three-dimensional perspective. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to analyze the location and distribution of fracture lines in different types of talus fractures using three-dimensional (3D) and heat mapping techniques. Additionally, we aimed to determine the surface area of the talus that can be utilized for different approaches of internal fixation, aiding in the planning of surgical procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from CT scans from 126 patients diagnosed with talus fractures at our two hospitals. We extracted the CT data of a healthy adult and created a standard talus model. We performed 3D reconstruction using patients' CT images and superimposed the fracture model onto the standard model for drawing fracture lines. Subsequently, we converted the fracture lines into a heat map for visualization. Additionally, we measured 20 specimens to determine the boundary for various ligaments attached to the talus. We determined the surface area of the talus available for different surgical approaches by integrating the boundary data with previously reported data on area of exposure. RESULTS: Without considering the displacement distance of the fracture, fracture types were classified as follows, by combining Hawkins and Sneppen classifications: talar neck, 41.3%; posterior talar tubercle, 22.2%; body for the talus and comminuted, 17.5%; lateral talar tubercle, 11.9%; and talar head, 7.1%. We established fracture line and heat maps using this classification. Additionally, we demonstrated the available area for anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, posterolateral, and medial malleolus osteotomy and Chaput osteotomy approaches. CONCLUSION: Fracture line and heat map analyses can aid surgeons in planning a single or combined surgical approach for the reduction and internal fixation of talus fractures. Demonstrating the different surgical approaches can help surgeons choose the most effective technique for individual cases.

Immediate mobilization after repair of Achilles tendon rupture may increase the incidence of re-rupture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a significant injury that can require surgery and can have the risk of re-rupture even after successful treatment. Consequently, to minimize this risk, it is important to have a thorough understanding of the rehabilitation protocol and the impact of different rehabilitation approaches on preventing re-rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent team members searched several databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on operative treatment of ATR. We included articles that covered open or minimally invasive surgery for ATR, with a detailed rehabilitation protocol and reports of re-rupture. The study protocol has been registered at PROSPERO and has been reported in the line with PRISMA Guidelines, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C85 , Supplemental Digital Content 2, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C86 and assessed using AMSTAR Tool, Supplemental Digital Content 3, http://links.lww.com/JS9/C87 . RESULTS: A total of 43 RCTs were eligible for the meta-analysis, encompassing a combined cohort of 2553 patients. Overall, the postoperative incidence of ATR patients developing re-rupture was 3.15% (95% CI: 2.26-4.17; I2 =44.48%). Early immobilization group patients who had ATR had a 4.07% (95% CI: 1.76-7.27; I2 =51.20%) postoperative incidence of re-rupture; Early immobilization + active range of motion (AROM) group had an incidence of 5.95% (95% CI: 2.91-9.99; I2 =0.00%); Early immobilization + weight-bearing group had an incidence of 3.49% (95% CI: 1.96-5.43; I2 =20.06%); Early weight-bearing + AROM group had an incidence of 3.61% (95% CI: 1.00-7.73; I2 =64.60%); Accelerated rehabilitation (immobilization) group had an incidence of 2.18% (95% CI: 1.11-3.59; I2 =21.56%); Accelerated rehabilitation (non-immobilization) group had a rate of 1.36% (95% CI: 0.12-3.90; I2 =0.00%). Additionally, patients in the immediate AROM group had a postoperative re-rupture incidence of 3.92% (95% CI: 1.76-6.89; I2 =33.24%); Non-immediate AROM group had an incidence of 2.45% (95% CI: 1.25-4.03; I2 =22.09%). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests the use of accelerated rehabilitation intervention in early postoperative rehabilitation of the Achilles tendon. However, for early ankle joint mobilization, it is recommended to apply after one to two weeks of immobilization.

Chronic lateral ankle instability using anterior tibiofibular ligament distal fascicle transfer augmentation repair: an anatomical, biomechanical, and histological study.

Background: The transfer of the anterior tibiofibular ligament distal fascicle (ATiFL-DF) for the augmentation repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) shows potential as a surgical technique. However, evidences on the benefits and disadvantages of this method in relation to ankle joint function are lacking. Purpose: This study aimed to provide comprehensive experimental data to validate the feasibility of ATiFL-DF transfer augmentation repair of the ATFL. Methods: This study included 50 embalmed ankle specimens to measure various morphological features, such as length, width, thickness, and angle, for evaluating similarities between the ATiFL-DF and ATFL. Furthermore, 24 fresh-frozen ankle specimens were examined for biomechanical testing of the ATiFL-DF transfer augmented repair of the ATFL. Finally, 12 pairs of ATiFL-DF and ATFL tissues from fresh-frozen ankle specimens were treated with gold chloride staining to analyze mechanoreceptor densities. Results: Anatomical studies found that the lengths and thicknesses of the ATFL and ATiFL-DF are similar. Biomechanical outcomes showed that performing ATiFL-DF transfer for ATFL repair can improve the stability of the talus and ankle joints. This is evident from the results of the anterior drawer, axial load, and ultimate failure load tests. However, performing ATiFL-DF transfer may compromise the stability of the distal tibiofibular joint, based on the Cotton and axial load tests at an external rotation of 5°. Analysis of the histological findings revealed that mechanoreceptor densities for four types of mechanoreceptors were comparable between the ATiFL-DF and ATFL groups. Conclusion: ATiFL-DF transfer is a viable method for augmenting ATFL repair. This technique helps to improve the stability of the talus and ankle joints while compensating for proprioception loss. Although ATiFL-DF transfer augmented repair of the ATFL may negatively affect the stability of the distal tibiofibular joint, this procedure can enhance the stability of the talus and ankle joints.

The safe zone of distal fibula was determined based on the classification of lateral malleolus fossa.

BACKGROUND: Lateral malleolus fractures are very common, and the distal fibular geometry is complex. This study aimed to classify the lateral malleolus fossa (MF) into different types by characterizing the lateral MF imaging morphology and exploring the relationship between the lateral MF and internal fixation position after distal fibula fractures. METHODS: Anteroposterior CT reconstruction was performed on 248 subjects. After reconstruction, the deepest point of the lateral MF was located, and then, the cross-sectional shape of the lateral MF was observed and classified. RESULTS: According to the morphology of the CT cross section, the lateral MF was divided into three types: type C (43.1%), type V (32.2%), and type Flat (24.7%). Type V (3.98 ± 0.82) was significantly longer than type C(2.83 ± 0.54) and type Flat (1.84 ± 0.42) in cd. Similarly, in ∠α, Type Flat(136.31 ± 9.63) was the largest, followed by type C (116.51 ± 8.79), and type V (89.31 ± 9.07) was the smallest. Other measurements were not found any significant differences between the above. CONCLUSION: According to the morphology of the CT cross section, the lateral MF was divided into three types: type C, type V and type Flat. Type V is most likely to be invaded when fixing the distal fibula. Screws less than 9 mm should be selected when fixing, and screws no more than 10 mm should be selected when there are type C and type Flat of MF.