Efficacy of Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Reinforcement in Arthroscopic Ankle Lateral Ligament Repair: A Prospective Randomized Study.

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Study Summary

59 patients with chronic ankle instability undergoing arthroscopic surgery were randomized to receive arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair with inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) reinforcement (group W) or arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair without IER reinforcement (group WO). The primary outcome of interest was the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at final follow-up. Other outcomes of interest included the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson ankle function score, posturographic outcomes, stress radiograph findings, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and complications. Outcomes were assessed up to a minimum of 24 months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups improved significantly after surgery, but there were no significant between-group differences in clinical scores, proprioceptive outcomes, radiologic stability, or retear rates. These findings suggest that routine IER reinforcement may not provide additional benefit when arthroscopic lateral ligament complex repair is performed.