2023 Annual Meeting Foot & Ankle Access Pass-When to Bail to Lateral Ligament Reconstruction

When to Bail to Lateral Ligament Reconstruction

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Richard Ferkel discusses when to opt for open lateral ligament reconstruction over arthroscopic methods for chronic ankle instability. Functional instability often improves with rehabilitation, but mechanical instability beyond normal joint motion requires surgery. While arthroscopic (SCOPE) repairs show similar short-term results, they are technically demanding, may not adequately tighten the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and have limited evidence for elite athletes. Open Broström procedures allow a more adjustable, anatomic three-layer repair, better for poor tissue quality, generalized laxity, revisions, and addressing peroneal tendon injuries. Arthroscopy is essential prior to open surgery to treat intra-articular lesions. Open repair remains the preferred approach for elite athletes and complex cases.

Asset Caption

Richard D. Ferkel, M.D.

Keywords

open lateral ligament reconstruction

arthroscopic ankle ligament repair

chronic ankle instability

Broström procedure

calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) repair