Arthroscopic Lateral Ligament Repair for Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on techniques and functional outcome of arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair in chronic ankle instability. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed during August 2019. Included studies were evaluated with regard to level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE) using the Coleman Methodology Score. Thirteen studies from a total of 506 studies were included, a single level I study and one level II four level III, six level IV and one level V study according to established criteria. The QOE in all studies was of poor or fair quality. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) showed an improvement from average score (range, 41.2 to 69.9) to average postoperative score (range, 89.2 to 98), the average improvement in AOFAS score (range, 22.8-54.2) at a mean follow-up for 18.6 months. Seven studies used Karlsson -Peterson (K-P) scores, with an average postoperative scores (range, 76.2 to 93.6) at a mean follow-up of 19.2 months. The comparative studies showed similar clinical outcomes between arthroscopic and open procedures. All studies reported a mean complication rate of 11.7% with patients treated with arthroscopic repair.