Arthroscopic and Open Procedures Result in Similar Calcaneal Tunnels for Anatomical Reconstruction of Lateral Ankle Ligaments

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy and reliability of arthroscopic markers of distal insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and to compare the calcaneus bone tunnels of the CFL that were made under arthroscopy and open procedures. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who underwent lateral ankle ligament reconstruction procedures were enrolled and divided into open (n = 24) and arthroscopic groups (n = 33). Lateral ankle radiography was performed postoperatively, and the calcaneus bone tunnels referenced to several landmarks, including the subtalar joint, calcaneus superior edge, fibular tip, angulation with fibula axis, cross point of the fibular and tangential line of the fibular obscure tubercle cross point of the tangential lines of the talar posterior edge and deepest point of the subtalar joint, and cross point of the fibular axis and perpendicular line across fibular tip. These results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant intergroup differences were observed between the parameters. When the bone tunnels of the CFL were referenced to the cross point of tangential lines of the talar posterior edge and deepest point of the subtalar joint, and the cross point of the fibular axis and perpendicular line across fibular tip, the coefficient variations were very high, which indicated that the locations of the bone tunnels were scattered over a large area in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic and open procedures achieved similar results for calcaneus bone tunnel making of the CFL. However, large variations were observed in both groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.