Clinical outcomes and return to sport after minimally invasive reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex with semitendinosus tendon autograft in chronic lateral ankle instability

Background: Ankle sprains are common, affecting especially the lateral ligament complex of the ankle, often leading to chronic symptoms and instability. Many procedures have been described for chronic ankle instability. This study analyzes clinical outcomes and return to sport in patients who underwent minimally invasive reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle with a semitendinosus tendon autograft. Methods: Twenty-three patients (mean age, 33.9 years) with grade 3 lesions of both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments underwent minimally invasive reconstruction of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments with an ipsilateral semitendinosus tendon autograft. They were retrospectively reviewed, and return to sport was evaluated with the Halasi ankle activity scale. Results: Mean follow-up was 30 months (range, 26–53 months). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 68.6 to 95.3. The average visual analog scale score decreased from 3.6 to 1.3. The Halasi score changed from 5.0 to 5.1. Except for the Halasi score, the differences were significant (P <.001). Nineteen patients judged the received treatment as excellent, 2 as good. No revision procedures were performed. No major complications were reported. Conclusions: This study confirms good clinical and sport outcomes after minimally invasive reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle with a semitendi-nosus autograft.