BACKGROUND: Since 1989, we have performed ligament reconstruction using the extensor digitorum longus tendon as a pedicle graft for patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle. METHODS: Of those patients who underwent arthroscopy during the operation, thirteen joints were evaluated at an average follow-up of 7 years and 2 months. The overall average postoperative score was 95.4 points on Karlsson's score for the ankle ligament. Instability scores improved by 8.5-24.6 points. Our anatomical reconstructive surgery showed generally excellent functional results, with cosmetic advantages because of a short incision and preservation of the entire peroneus brevis tendon, which plays an important role in extra-articular dynamic stabilization. RESULTS: At final follow-up, pain was present in one joint in the group without chondral injury at the time of reconstruction ( n=6). However, pain was still present at the final follow-up in five of the group with chondral injury ( n=7). Chondral injury incurred during ligament reconstruction may have caused the residual ankle pain even after 7 years of postoperative follow-up. There was a statistically significant relationship between chondral injury and ankle pain at final follow-up.
BACKGROUND: Since 1989, we have performed ligament reconstruction using the extensor digitorum longus tendon as a pedicle graft for patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle. METHODS: Of those patients who underwent arthroscopy during the operation, thirteen joints were evaluated at an average follow-up of 7 years and 2 months. The overall average postoperative score was 95.4 points on Karlsson's score for the ankle ligament. Instability scores improved by 8.5-24.6 points. Our anatomical reconstructive surgery showed generally excellent functional results, with cosmetic advantages because of a short incision and preservation of the entire peroneus brevis tendon, which plays an important role in extra-articular dynamic stabilization. RESULTS: At final follow-up, pain was present in one joint in the group without chondral injury at the time of reconstruction ( n=6). However, pain was still present at the final follow-up in five of the group with chondral injury ( n=7). Chondral injury incurred during ligament reconstruction may have caused the residual ankle pain even after 7 years of postoperative follow-up. There was a statistically significant relationship between chondral injury and ankle pain at final follow-up.
Authors: R Schmidt; S Benesch; B Friemert; A Herbst; L Claes; H Gerngross Journal: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Date: 2004-11-18 Impact factor: 4.342