Comparison of Modified Broström Procedure with or without Suture Tape Augmentation Technique for the Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of the modified Broström repair (MBR) with or without suture tape augmentation (STA) for managing the chronic lateral ankle instability. METHODS: 72 patients with chronic lateral ankle instability treated at our hospital from January 2018 to July 2019 were included, with 37 patients receiving the MBR and 35 treated by the MBR with STA. The clinical efficacy of the two techniques was assessed in terms of VAS, AOFAS, and Karlsson scores and by physical examination in follow-ups. RESULTS: In all 72 patients, operations were successful, and the patients were followed up for 29.3 months on average (range, 24-43 months). There were no significant differences in preoperative pain, AOFAS, and Karlsson scores between the two groups. Compared with preoperative findings, all the functional scores were significantly improved in both groups 3 months after the operation and at the last follow-up. Three months after the operation, the STA group had significantly lower VAS and higher AOFAS scores than the isolated MBR group, suggesting that patients in the STA group suffered less pain and achieved better functional improvement. However, the VAS and functional scores at the last follow-up and the Karlsson score at 3 months postoperatively showed no intragroup difference in both groups. CONCLUSION: MBR with or without STA could achieve good results for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. Compared with the widely used MBR, combining with STA may be more effective in promoting rehabilitation in early term.