Lateral Ankle Instability after Rotational Injury: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Ankle sprains are common orthopedic injuries, often overlooked for ligamentous lesions that can lead to chronic instability.
• Delayed diagnosis and conservative treatment failure can necessitate surgical intervention for persistent ankle instability.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old male presented with chronic left ankle instability following an improperly managed sprain.
• Pre-operative stress X-rays revealed significant talar tilt (21°) and anterior drawer (13 mm), indicating severe instability.
• The patient had undergone multiple consultations over six months without definitive diagnosis or effective treatment.

Findings:

• Surgical reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments was performed using an autologous semitendinosus graft.
• Post-operatively, stress X-rays showed marked improvement with talar tilt reduced to 3° and anterior drawer to 4 mm.
• The patient's American Foot and Ankle Score improved from 60 to 85 within 11 months post-surgery.

Implications:

• Autologous semitendinosus graft reconstruction is a viable surgical option for chronic lateral ankle instability resistant to conservative management.
• Adherence to treatment guidelines, regular follow-ups, and functional rehabilitation are crucial for optimal outcomes in ankle injury management.
• This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention for ankle sprains to prevent long-term disability.