Outcomes of the Modified-Brostrom Procedure Using Suture Anchor for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: a Prospective, Randomized Comparison with the Bone Tunnel Technique

Kim, Yong Min; Kim, Dong Soo; Choi, Eui Sung; Shon, Hyun Chul; Park, Kyoung Jin; Cho, Byung Ki; Lee, Hyung Joon

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed prospectively and randomly to compare the clinical outcomes of modified-Brostrom procedures using the suture anchor and the bone tunnel for chronic lateral ankle instability.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty patients were followed up for more than 1 year after the modified-Brostrom procedures. Fifteen procedures treated with a suture anchor and 15 procedures treated with a bone tunnel technique assigned randomly were performed by a single surgeon. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the VAS for pain, the Karlsson scale and Sefton grading system. Measurements of the talar tilt and anterior talar translation was performed using anterior and varus stress radiographs.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the pain VAS between the 2 techniques postoperatively. However, the pain VAS at postoperative 4th day was significantly higher in the bone tunnel group. The Karlsson scale had improved significantly from a preoperative average of 45.2 points to 90.1 points in the suture anchor group, and from 44.6 points to 88.3 points in the bone tunnel group. According to the Sefton grading system, 13 cases (86.7%) in the suture anchor group and 12 cases (80%) in the bone tunnel group achieved satisfactory results. The talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had improved significantly from preoperative average of 14.2degrees and 6.2 mm to 6.4degrees and 4.5 mm in the suture anchor group, from 13.8degrees and 6.4 mm to 6.1degrees and 4.2 mm in the bone tunnel group. There were no significant differences between 2 techniques.
CONCLUSION
The techniques for ligament reattachment produced similar clinical and functional outcomes except for early-stage postoperative pain. Both modified-Brostrom procedures using the suture anchor and bone tunnel appear to be effective treatment methods for chronic lateral ankle instability. However, the suture anchor technique has an advantage of less early-stage postoperative pain.