Effect of Lateral Ligament Augmentation Using Suture-Tape on Functional Ankle Instability

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Lateral ankle ligament injuries are common, leading to functional ankle instability (FAI).
• Suture-tape augmentation is used to restore mechanical stability, but its effects on peroneal strength, proprioception, and postural control are not well-documented.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies for FAI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of suture-tape augmentation on peroneal strength, proprioception, and postural control in patients with FAI.
• To assess patient-reported functional outcomes following the procedure.
• To determine the effectiveness of suture-tape augmentation in restoring ankle function.

Main Methods:

• A prospective case series involving 24 patients who underwent suture-tape augmentation for FAI.
• Functional outcomes assessed using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).
• Peroneal strength, proprioception, and postural control evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer and a modified Romberg test over a 2-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in CAIT scores (27.2 points) and FAAM scores (86.7 points).
• Isokinetic eversion strength improved significantly, with a reduced deficit ratio from 39.5% to 20.9%.
• Postural control showed significant improvement in balance retention time, though a 30.9% deficit remained compared to the unaffected side. Joint position sense showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

• Suture-tape augmentation significantly enhances patient-reported outcomes and peroneal strength in FAI.
• The procedure positively impacts postural control but does not improve proprioception.
• While effective for mechanical stability, intermediate-term recovery compared to the contralateral limb was not statistically significant.