A clinical review of elbow ligament repairs and reconstructions in the acute and chronic settings.

Background: The ligamentous and osseous structures of the elbow joint are the major contributors to its inherent stability and damage to any of these structures can result in elbow instability. The aim of this study is to present objective and subjective outcomes following ligament repairs and/or reconstructions for acute elbow instability and chronic elbow instability. Methods: This study included patients who underwent an elbow ligament repair and/or reconstruction for acute or chronic elbow instability. We performed a comprehensive retrospective data analysis of the patient's files, followed by a clinical examination and X-ray of these patients. Results: We identified 12 acute stabilizations and 22 stabilizations for chronic instability. Patients who underwent stabilization for chronic instability had statistically significant improvements in their preoperative flexion and extension; 14.8 ± 6.4° and 5.9 ± 2.5°. Patients with chronic instability achieved better extension-flexion and pronation-supination arcs compared with their acute instability counterparts and this reached statistical significance. When the elbow pain and function scores were compared, we found stabilizations in the acute setting had better outcomes. There were two cases of postoperative instability, one in the acute instability group and one in the chronic instability group. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for elbow ligament repairs and reconstructions in both acute and chronic settings. It is an effective way of stabilizing the elbow joint in chronic instability patients, and results in an improvement in their overall range of motion. These patients achieved a greater range of motions compared with their acute instability counterparts.

Outcomes of a 2-Portal Endoscopic Technique for Osseous Lesions Resulting in Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome.

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is common in sporting populations and encompasses a range of disorders that cause posterior ankle pain during maximal forced plantarflexion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and medium- to long-term outcomes of 2-portal endoscopic surgery for osseous lesions causing posterior ankle impingement syndrome. This was a retrospective case series analysis of all patients who underwent 2-portal endoscopic surgery at a single institution between 2005 and 2016. Visual analogue scales and selected components of the Short Form of the Revised Foot Function Index were used to assess ankle function, with the median follow-up time being 4.8 years. Of the 52 patients, 49 (94%) were able to return to their previous sport/physical activity, with the mean time taken being 5.8 months. At the completion of follow-up, the mean pain score during exercise had improved from 7.5 to 0.9 points. The mean work and sporting function scores also improved, from 5.9 to 9.6 points and 2.9 to 8.8 points, respectively. The mean score of the Short Form of the Revised Foot Function Index also improved by 77.7 points, from 84.4 to 6.7 at the completion of follow-up. There were no postoperative infections or any other major complications. This study provides strong supporting evidence for the use of hindfoot endoscopy in the treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in athletes.