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[Research progress on augmentation repair of anterior talofibular ligament under arthroscopy]
Minyuan Zhang1, Kaiquan Li1, Hongmai Yang1
1Department of Sports Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Yunnan, 650032, P. R. China.
Objective:
To summarize the research progress on augmentation repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) under arthroscopy.
Methods:
The domestic and international studies from the past decade on augmentation repair techniques for the ATFL. The advantages and limitations of each approach were summarized and the outcomes of these augmentation repair techniques when applied to ATFL repair were evaluated.
Results:
Mechanical augmentation technique (suture tape or internal brace technique, double anchor enhancement technique) can increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will increase the economic burden of the patients; bioenhanced repair technology (inferior extensor retinaculum enhancement, anterior tibiofibular ligament's distal fascicle transfer augmentation) can also increase the strength after ATFL repair, but it will damage the anatomical structure in the ankle cavity to a certain extent, and the surgery is difficult, and the operation time will prolong and also increase the incidence of perioperative complications. Regardless of the augmentation repair techniques used, the benefits are higher for patients with high exercise needs, and active postoperative rehabilitation is required to maximize the surgical effect.
Conclusion:
Although augmentation repair of ATFL offers several advantages, its use-whether augmentation should be employed and, if so, which technique is preferable-requires further study across patient subgroups owing to increased costs, potential disruption of ankle anatomy, and longer operation time.
