Combination of Internal-brace™ technology and modified Brostrom procedure for treatment of chronic ankle instability

Objective To investigate the surgical methods and short-term effects of Internal-brace™ technology combined with modified Brostrom procedure for treatment of chronic ankle instability. Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 17 patients with chronic ankle instability treated using the Internal-brace™ technology combined with modified Brostrom procedure from May 2015 to April 2016. There were 10 males and 7 females, at age of 24 and 36 years (mean, 31.8 years). A left ankle injury occurred in 6 patients and a right ankle injury in 11 patients. Operation time, postoperative complications and incision healing was documented after operation. Ankle stability was tested using the anterior drawer test and lateral stress test, and ankle range of motion was detected. American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score was used for postoperative efficacy evaluation. Results Operation time was 45 to 84 minutes (mean, 64.5 minutes). None of the patients revealed neurological deficits after operation. All incisions healed by the first intension. Full weight bearing was started two weeks after operation. All patients were followed up for mean 3.5 months (range, 1-6 months). At the final follow-up, both anterior drawer test and lateral stress test were negative. All patients had a normal range of motion of the ankle after operation.AOFAS score was increased from preoperative (36.2±13.4)points to (91.2±6.7) points at the final follow-up (P<0.01). According to the AOFAS score, the results wereexcellent in 15 patients and good in 2 patients, with the good rate of 100%. Conclusion For chronic ankle instability, Internal-brace™ technology combined with modified Brostrom procedure benefits wound healing and functional recovery, reduces incidence of complications and exhibits satisfactory short-term outcome. Key words: Ankle injuries; Joint instability; Arthroscopes; Anterior talofibular ligament