Arthroscopic monopolar radiofrequency thermal stabilization for chronic lateral ankle instability: a preliminary report on 10 cases.

This study represents a preliminary review of 10 patients having undergone arthroscopic monopolar thermal stabilization for ankle instability from October 1996 to June 1998. All patients in this study expressed mild to moderate chronic ankle instability complaints and were dissatisfied with their attempts at conservative care. Subjective clinical results were evaluated in all patients having undergone this procedure utilizing a modified version of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. In addition, eight of these patients underwent pre- and postoperative stress radiographs. The average age of the patient population in this study was 34.5 +/- 9.26 years. The preoperative AOFAS scores averaged 58.3 +/- 8.96 and the postoperative were 88.1 +/- 11.09 points. Patients returned to full activities on the average of 3 months. Postoperative ankle varus stress test reduced on the average of 2.8 degrees +/- 2.77 degrees, while the anterior drawer measurements reduced 4.8 +/- 1.83 mm. The reduction in anterior drawer test amounted to an approximate 60% decrease in talar excursion postoperatively. All patients who underwent this procedure achieved ankle stability and commented that they would undergo the procedure again.