Modified Broström With and Without Suture Tape Augmentation: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• The Modified Broström procedure is standard for chronic lateral ankle instability.
• Concerns exist regarding the biomechanical strength and durability of the standard Modified Broström.
• Suture tape augmentation aims to enhance biomechanical properties, mimicking the native ankle lateral ligament complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on outcomes of the suture tape-augmented Modified Broström technique.
• To compare the clinical effectiveness and complication rates of augmented versus non-augmented Modified Broström procedures.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL (2009-present).
• Inclusion of English-language studies on augmented Modified Broström for chronic lateral ankle instability.
• Analysis of 4 studies (2 cohort, 2 case series) involving 156 patients.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in patient-reported outcome measures were observed postoperatively (p < .05).
• One study showed a statistically significant improvement in the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure with augmentation (93.1 vs 90.5, p = .027).
• No significant differences in American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores or complication rates were found between augmented and non-augmented techniques.

Conclusions:

• Modified Broström with suture tape augmentation yields good short-term clinical outcomes for chronic lateral ankle instability.
• Augmentation demonstrates comparable results to the standard Modified Broström procedure with a similar safety profile.
• Suture tape augmentation may offer benefits in specific functional outcome measures.