Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Obsolete lateral ankle ligament injury is frequently treated by Chrisman-Snook operation. However, this operation destructs some peroneus brevis tendon, and affects the function of peroneus brevis tendon for foot valgus.
OBJECTIVE: Based on previous research, to investigate the effect of allogeneic tendon for reconstruction of ankle lateral ligaments.
METHODS: A total of 17 cases of ankle lateral ligament injured were selected, with a course of disease from 3 to 6 months. All lateral ligaments were reconstructed by allogeneic tendon & anchors. During the operation, a drill, 4.5 mm diameter, was used to drill a hole on the lateral ankle; one anchor was drilled into the talus at the end of anterior talofibular ligament, another one was threaded on the calcaneus; the allogeneic tendon was permeated through the hole on the lateral ankle, maintaining ankle neutral and moderate valgus position. The allogeneic tendon was sutured with the thread of the anchors. Following operation, the ankle was fixed in neutral position and slightly valgus position; wound healing, AOFAS score and stress radiograph were observed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All 17 patients showed no rejection, and the wound healing well at the primary stage. At 6, 12, 24 after operation, all patients were followed-up. According to AOFAS criteria, function of ankle in all patients was significantly improved. No patients complained of instability of the ankle, and stress radiograph confirmed this improvement. Reconstruction of lateral ligaments of the ankle with allogeneic tendon and anchors is a practical treatment, which restores stability and function of ankle without long incision or damaging normal tendons.