[Lateral ankle ligament bracing]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Ankle Reconstruction

Background:

• Mechanical lateral ankle instability affects athletes and individuals with poor compliance or tissue quality.
• Previous Broström procedures may fail, necessitating revision surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of anatomic reconstruction using suture tape augmentation for lateral ankle instability.
• To assess functional outcomes and return to sport after the modified Broström procedure.

Main Methods:

• Anatomic repair of lateral capsuloligamentous structures with suture tape augmentation.
• Drilling bone tunnels in the fibula and talus for suture tape fixation.
• Use of a BioComposite SwiveLock screw and anchor system.
• Postoperative immobilization followed by progressive weight-bearing and sensorimotor training.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-German version (FAAM-G) scores for both daily living and sports subscales at 12 months.
• 7 of 8 patients achieved excellent results with unrestricted mobility and stable ankles.
• Return to high-risk sports was achieved in 10-12 weeks postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Suture tape augmentation of the Broström procedure provides initial stability and excellent functional outcomes for lateral ankle instability.
• This technique offers a reliable solution for athletes and patients with challenging repair conditions.
• Early return to sport is feasible with this surgical approach.