Comparison of the effects of reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendon graft

Peroneus longus and peroneus brevis tendon grafts have been frequently used to reconstruct the lateral ankle ligaments. However, there is no literature comparing the effect of the 2 methods. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 autologous tendon transplants on ankle joint activity. This retrospective study included 100 adult patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) who underwent surgery from January 2014 to December 2017. Group A (50 patients): Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using the anterior half of peroneus longus tendon graft; Group B (50 patients): Using the anterior half of peroneus brevis tendon graft. Outcomes were assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores, VAS pain scores, and Karlsson scores, and the radiographic assessment included talar tilt and anterior talar translation. A sensitive dynamometer was used before and after surgery to assess inversion, valgus, plantarflexion, and dorsiflexion strength to evaluate changes in muscle strength in the patients feet. Postoperatively, 88 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months, including 46 cases in group A and 42 in group B. No severe complications were recorded in the 2 groups. There were significant pre- to post-operative differences between the groups. No significant differences were observed in the postoperative scores and muscle strength changes between the groups. However, the number of patients with decreased valgus strength in group B was statistically significant compared with group A. Both methods can improve the stability of the ankle joint, but the peroneus longus tendon has little effect on the postoperative muscle strength of the foot and should be used as the preferred surgical treatment for the treatment of CLAI.