To evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament for treatment of chronic ankle instability.

From June 2012 to August 2016, 27 patients with chronic ankle instability (28 ankles) were treated with arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament. All the patients were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up using visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. The talar tilt angle and anterior translation were assessed radiographically in pre- and postoperative ankle stress views.

The operations lasted for 75.8 minutes (from 72 to 104 minutes) . The 27 patients received a mean follow-up of 14.8 months (range, from 12 to 25 months) . All the wounds healed by the first intention. No neurovascular complications were observed and no patient reported ankle stiffness or pain in motion. On average, the anterior talar translation was reduced from 10.82±3.32 mm preoperatively to 4.03±1.70 mm at the last follow-up, the talar tilt angle decreased from 15.60°±3.86° to 6.01°±2.64°, the VAS pain score decreased from 5.79±1.79 to 1.54±1.35, and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from 63.64±11.20 to 90.21±4.48. All the above differences were statistically significant (P<0.01) .

Arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament can improve function and stability of the ankle joint effectively, providing a valid option for treatment of chronic ankle instability.

Ankle; Ligament; Arthroscopy; Chronic ankle instability; Anatomical reconstruction