Purpose
This study aims to compare the early functional outcome of anatomic reconstruction of chronic lateral ankle instability with polyester tape reinforcement versus suture anchor repair.
Patients and Methods
Sixty patients suffering from chronic lateral ankle instability were included. Thirty patients were treated by anatomic reconstruction of the injured ligaments and reinforcement with polyester tape and the other half was treated by suture anchors in our institution with a minimum period of 6 months follow-up. The postoperative results were assessed according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) scoring system for hind-foot.
Results
AOFAS score is improved postoperatively in both techniques without statistically significant difference (P=0.084). The results of the two techniques were comparable without statistically significant difference regarding pain, walking distance, hindfoot motion, foot alignment, activity limitation and support requirement (P=0.602, 0.067, 0.582, 0.448, 0.606, respectively). All the studied cases returned to their original activity level.