Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament Reconstruction With InternalBrace™ for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability in Pediatric Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle injuries and instability in a pediatric age group are common problems and often underreported. The injuries can range from a relatively benign ankle sprain to pain-limiting ankle instability that can inhibit the child from participating in sporting activities. However, conservative management and physiotherapy are the mainstay of treatment; a small group of patients present with persistent instability and benefit from surgical intervention in lateral ligament reconstruction. Our study looked at pediatric patients who had instability following failed conservative management.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 14 patients with Chronic lateral Ankle instability (CLAI) who underwent Modified Brostrom-Gould repair( MBG) with or without Internal brace augmentation between January 2015 and October 2020. Patients were evaluated for the visual analogue scale (VAS), Manchester-oxford foot questionnaire (MOxFQ), subjective satisfaction, and return to preinjury activity level.

RESULTS: Pain score improved from 8 (average 5-9) to 1 (average 0-3) following surgery. Functional assessment was made by assessing the Manchester Oxford questionnaire pre-and postoperatively. MOxFQ scores improved from 64 (8 SD) to 7 (15 SD). Thirteen of fourteen patients returned to normal sporting activities at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Modified Brostrom-Gould with InternalBrace™ augmentation is an excellent procedure for chronic lateral ligament injuries in the Paediatric population. It can be safely performed if we respect the anatomy and the physeal growth plate. It allows faster rehabilitation and return to preinjury activity level.