Chronic lateral ankle instability: a current concepts review

Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments are quite common, with a reported incidence of up to 22% of all sports injuries, and 85% of all ankle sprains. Most of these are effectively managed using nonoperative measures in the acute setting. Approximately 20% of patients will, however, develop chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Although the anatomy and biomechanics are well documented, more recently, the concepts of the lateral talofibular calcaneal ligament (LTFCL) and microinstability have been described. For those who develop CLAI, a full assessment is mandatory to not only search for correctable risk factors (malalignment), but also to differentiate between functional and mechanical instability. Associated injuries need to be excluded, such as osteochondral lesions of the talus. Rotational ankle instability is a new concept that needs to be considered. Patients who present with CLAI are initially managed conservatively in the form of functional rehabilitation. This management is especially effective in patients with functional instability. Surgery is generally indicated after failed conservative management in patients with objective mechanical instability. The elite athlete is a relative indication to performing surgery early. The choice of surgical procedure is made on an individualised basis, although open anatomical procedures remain the gold standard. Non-anatomical procedures are no longer recommended. Newer minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques show promise in experienced hands but there is only limited evidence to support its use at present. The use of a suture tape as an augment is reserved for specific indications and should not be used routinely.Level of evidence: Level 5

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Mayet,Ziyaad, Ferrao,Paulo NF, Ρ Saragas,Nikiforos, Paterson,Richard, Magobotha,Sebastian KM, Alexander,Alwich, Eshragi,Hooman, Ittehadi,Hossein, Khademi,Mohammed A, Mehtar,Mohammed, Tladi,Makgabo J, Strydom,Andrew, Workman,Matthew
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Medpharm Publications 2021
Online Access:	http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1681-150X2021000200010
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