Dorsal calcaneocuboid ligament versus lateral ankle ligament repair: a case-control study

Anatomic reconstruction is the treatment of choice for lateral ankle ligament instability. A similar technique has recently been described for stabilisation of a chronic unstable calcaneocuboid joint as an alternative to the previously proposed tenodesis and arthrodesis procedures.

Five consecutive young females experiencing recurrent giving way of six calcaneocuboid joints were treated operatively during a 4 year period using anatomic ligament repair reinforced by a periosteal flap. Results were compared to five patients who underwent anatomic lateral ankle ligament repair in a case-control design. Outcome was measured using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, physical examination, and stress radiographic and MRI (calcaneocuboid group) investigation. Functional neuromuscular performance was evaluated by isokinetic torque measurements, posturometry, single-leg drop jumps, and single-leg long jumps.

Outcome scores at follow up (5-61 months after surgery) revealed excellent results for both groups. No relevant difference was found between the affected legs and the non-affected legs or between groups with respect to the outcome measures. MRI exhibited ligament-like structures at the repaired dorsal calcaneocuboid joints in five out of six joints.

Results of anatomic repair of unstable lateral ankle and isolated calcaneocuboid joint instability equally lead to excellent results.