Arthroscopically Assisted Technique for Combined Medial and Lateral Ligament Repair in Multidirectional Ankle Instability

An ankle sprain is one of the most common orthopedic injuries, frequently associated with sporting activities. Acute treatment has a traditional standard protocol, but even after undergoing a good rehabilitation program, up to 20% to 40% of patients develop chronic ankle instability. Arthroscopy is a rapidly evolving surgical procedure indicated for the management of this pathology as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. The objective of this study was to describe an arthroscopically assisted technique for combined medial and lateral ligament repair in patients with multidirectional ankle instability. Clinical and functional results were described in 14 cases (8 female, 6 male) with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The average age was 35.8 years (range: 20 to 57 y), only 1 case of neuritis was reported and resolved without invasive procedures. At the final follow-up, 13 cases had good-excellent results with AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score) >80 points. We believe that the arthroscopic technique described is as a viable treatment option in patients with multidirectional ankle instability, with similar or better results than open techniques. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.