Good rate of satisfaction but suboptimal clinical outcome at long-term follow-up in a large series of patients who had operative stabilization of the deltoid ligament of the ankle.

PURPOSE: To report results following deltoid ligament reconstruction in a large series of patients. METHODS: For consecutive patients who had a medial ankle ligament stabilization 2010-2018 information from their medical files was registered, and they were invited for follow-up in 2021-2022. They answered questions about satisfaction with the treatment and current symptoms, and they completed the Foot and Ankle Measurement (FAAM) questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 503 patients, 342 (68%) had a history of trauma to the ankle and 114 (23%) had previous ankle surgery. 67% had other procedures (besides synovectomy) simultaneous to medial ligament reconstruction. 269 patients (54%) responded to the invitation for follow-up. For 182 (71%) of the responders, the operation solved their ankle problems. 163 (63%) were satisfied with the surgery. 192 (71%) would repeat the operation. 173 (67%) had pain in the ankle during the past week, and 86 (50%) of these were not able to run. FAAM ADL-scores were significantly higher than in a mixed group of ankle/foot patients but not normal. CONCLUSION: The relatively high degree of satisfaction despite suboptimal clinical results may reflect the complex nature of the deltoid ligament insufficient ankle. It is concluded that repair or reconstruction of the deltoid ligament is only performed in patients reporting ankle instability and with peroperatively demonstrated medial instability and pathology to the ligament. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

A clinical guide to the medial ligaments of the ankle: Anatomy, function, diagnosis of injuries and treatment of instability-a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to provide an update on anatomy and function of the medial ankle ligaments, diagnosis of their injuries and treatment of medial ankle instability. METHODS: Literature search on PubMed. RESULTS: Injuries to the deltoid ligament are not uncommon in relation to malleolar fractures and ankle sprains. Chronic instability may lead to ankle osteoarthritis. However, there is no consensus on diagnostic criteria (clinically, by imaging and by arthroscopy), on indications for non-operative and operative treatment, and on standards for repair and reconstruction of the ligament complex. There is no current evidence to support acute repair of deltoid ligament injury. Reports on the effect of isolated deltoid ligament reconstruction are very sparse. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a focused effort to establish evidence for all aspects of deltoid ligament injury.