Deltoid ligament arthroscopic repair in ankle fractures: Case series

Diagnosis and treatment of ankle medial ligament lesions in malleolar fractures has always been a matter of controversy. Even when deltoid involvement is clear, the direct repair of this structure is not a consensus. Recently, deltoid repair through an arthroscopic technique was described aiming to potentialize better clinical results and minimize complications.

Demonstrate safety and functional results on patients with ankle fractures submitted to open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic deltoid repair.

This is a retrospective study in patients diagnosed with ankle fractures associated with acute deltoid injuries submitted to open malleolar fixation and deltoid arthroscopic repair between June 2016 and January 2020. All patients were evaluated for pain and functionality according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) at a minimum of 6 months follow-up.

From January 2016 to January 2020, 20 ankles with fractures or dislocations were operated and the deltoid ligament rupture was repaired arthroscopically. A mean follow-up of 14.45 months (6-48) was observed, and patients presented an average AOFAS of 93.5 (SD 7.25) and a VAS of 0.75 (SD 1.05). Three minor complications were noticed and no signs of medial chronic instability, loss of reduction or osteoarthritis were observed.

The repair of the deltoid complex and the low morbidity of the arthroscopic technique used may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. Additional studies, with a prospective and comparative methodology are required to sustain this proposal.

Level IV. Retrospective case series.