Comparative Evaluation Between Anatomic and Nonanatomic Lateral Ligament Reconstruction Techniques in the Ankle...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanics
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Conventional nonanatomic lateral ankle sprain (LAS) reconstructions can excessively restrict subtalar joint motion.
• This restriction may lead to chronic pain, functional deficits, and osteoarthritis development.
• Anatomic reconstruction techniques aim to restore native ankle biomechanics more effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the ankle joint stability of two novel anatomic reconstruction techniques against three popular nonanatomic techniques.
• To assess the impact of different reconstruction methods on talocrural and subtalar joint motion under various loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a multibody computational ankle joint model based on an intact ankle.
• Simulation of lateral ankle sprain (LAS) and reconstruction using Watson-Jones, Evans, Chrisman-Snook (nonanatomic), and two anatomic models.
• Evaluation of joint stability under anterior drawer, inversion, internal rotation, and combined loading tests.

Main Results:

• Anatomic reconstruction techniques demonstrated superior stability in both talocrural and subtalar joints compared to nonanatomic methods.
• Watson-Jones and Chrisman-Snook techniques showed significant subtalar joint restriction; anatomic reconstructions did not.
• Evans technique preserved subtalar motion but was less effective in restoring talocrural inversion stability.

Conclusions:

• Anatomic reconstruction techniques offer better restoration of ankle joint stability following lateral ankle sprain (LAS).
• These techniques effectively mitigate the subtalar joint restriction associated with some nonanatomic methods.
• Anatomic reconstructions represent an improved approach for managing lateral ankle sprains and preventing long-term complications.