Purpose: In chronic lateral ankle instability, primary ligament repair is not always possible because of poor quality of the local tissues. A free autologous or allograft tendon graft or synthetic grafts are suitable alternative. We describe middle term results of arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) using a free autologous ipsilateral gracilis graft in patients with chronic ankle instability.
Methods: Eleven patients with chronic lateral ankle instability with imaging evidence of isolated ATFL tear underwent arthroscopic reconstruction of the ATFL using a free ipsilateral gracilis graft. Functional and subjective assessment were performed after an average of 24 months following the index procedure.
Results: At 24 months, all patients showed objective improvements. One patient reported transient dysaesthesiae on the dorsolateral aspect of the foot and heel.
Conclusions: Arthroscopic isolated reconstruction of the ATFL with a free ipsilateral gracilis grafts is safe, allowing restoration of joint stability and low surgical morbidity.
Study design: Case series.
Keywords: Ankle instability; ankle arthroscopy;anterior talofibular ligament.
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