Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2024, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (30): 4848-4853.doi: 10.12307/2024.628

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Treatment of high ankle sprains with Suture-button elastic fixation assisted by arthroscopy

Xie Wei, Zhao Jingjing, Hao Cheng, Li Zi, Fang Zhenhua   

  1. Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China 
  • Received:2023-07-04 Accepted:2023-08-24 Online:2024-10-28 Published:2023-12-27
  • Contact: Fang Zhenhua, Master, Associate chief physician, Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
  • About author:Xie Wei, Master, Attending physician, Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High ankle sprain is easily missed and leads to ankle dysfunction. Arthroscopy can detect hidden high ankle sprain. Suture-button elastic fixation can restore the biomechanical stability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of Suture-button elastic fixation for high ankle sprain under ankle arthroscopy.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 40 cases of high ankle sprain patients treated with Suture-button elastic fixation under ankle arthroscopy from August 2019 to August 2021 in the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital. All patients underwent Suture-button elastic fixation. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society function score, Visual Analog Scale pain score, ankle range of motion, preoperative imaging data, and arthroscopic tibiofibular syndesmosis separation degree were recorded. Meislin criteria were used to evaluate the curative effect and postoperative complications were recorded.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) 40 patients were followed up for 16-48 months after operation. (2) At the last follow-up, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was (88.95±6.64 points). Visual Analog Scale score was (1.78±1.23 points). Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was (33.50±5.79 degrees). Ankle plantarflexion range of motion was (34.50±5.97 degrees). There were statistically significant differences before and after surgery (P < 0.05). (3) There was a low positive correlation between the radiographic separation index and the degree of arthroscopic separation (r=0.612, P < 0.01). (4) The curative effect was evaluated by Meislin standard, with an excellent and good rate of 95% (38/40). Postoperative ankle joint pain was relieved, and ankle joint activities were significantly improved. (5) During the follow-up period, all patients had no nerve injury or incision infection. In 1 patient, the internal fixation was removed due to skin irritation and squatting sensation after operation. (6) It is concluded that Suture-button elastic fixation for high ankle sprain is effective under ankle arthroscopy in restoring ankle function and maintaining joint stability without the need for secondary removal, and it is worth clinical application. 

Key words: high ankle sprain, ankle arthroscopy, suture-button, elastic fixation, joint stability

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