• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2010

Purpose: Anterior drawer and varus stress test are commonly used for radiologic evaluation of chronic lateral ankle instability. However, there are controversies regarding the method of measurement and the normal value. This study was performed to investigate radiologic normal values in normal Korean adults and to analyze differences by age and gender. Materials and Methods: Sixty Korean adults were recruited and divided in three groups (20 in their twenties, 20 in their thirties, 20 in their forties). There were 10 males and 10 females in each group. The selection criteria were no history of ankle injury and no evidence of instability on physical examination. Radiologic measurement of varus talar tilt and anterior talar translation were performed through anterior and varus stress radiographs using Telos device (150N force). The measurement was repeated twice by three researchers, and intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability were analyzed. The average talar tilt and anterior talar translation were obtained. Results: Talar tilt and anterior talar translation on ankle stress radiographs had good intraobserver reproducibility and interobserver reliability. Talar tilt was average $3.7^{\circ}$ and $5.1^{\circ}$ in male and female of twenties of age, $3.9^{\circ}$ and $4.8^{\circ}$ in their thirties, $3.4^{\circ}$ and $4.5^{\circ}$ in their forties. Anterior talar translation was average 3.5 mm and 4.2 mm in their twenties, 4.1 mm and 3.8 mm in their thirties, 3.6 mm and 4.1 mm in their forties. There was no significant difference in talar tilt and anterior talar translation by age. However, there was significant difference in talar tilt by gender. Conclusion: Normal range of talar tilt angle in Korean adults was below $8.3^{\circ}$, and normal range of anterior talar translation was below 7.6 mm. It seems to be able to serve as a good reference for radiologic evaluation and for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.137-143
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• 2023

Purpose: Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is indicated for patients with a large osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), accompanying subchondral cyst, and the failure of bone marrow stimulation (BMS) procedures. Despite the many reports on the clinical results of surgical treatment for medial osteochondral lesions, those of lateral lesions are rare. This paper reports the intermediate-term clinical outcomes after AOT for lateral OLTs. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with lateral OLTs were followed up for at least three years after AOT. The clinical evaluations comprised the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). The radiographic assessment included the irregularity of the articular surface (subchondral plate), the progression of degenerative arthritis, and the changes in talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation. Results: The mean FAOS and FAAM scores improved significantly from 42.1 to 89.5 and 39.5 to 90.6 points, respectively, at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The radiological evaluation revealed two cases (9.5%) of articular step-off ≥2 mm and 1 case (4.8%) of progressive arthritis. The mean talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation improved significantly. As postoperative complications, there was one case of a local wound problem, one case of superficial peroneal nerve injury, and one case of donor site morbidity. At a mean follow-up of 62.3 months, no patient showed a recurrence of instability or required reoperation for OLT. Conclusion: AOT for the lateral OLTs demonstrated satisfactory intermediate-term clinical outcomes, including daily and sports activity abilities. Most OLT could be accessed through lateral ligament division and capsulotomy, and the incidence of iatrogenic complications, such as recurrent sprains or chronic instability, was minimal. AOT appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for patients with large lateral osteochondral lesions unresponsive to conservative therapy, with subchondral cysts, or with failed primary BMS.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.35-40
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of ankle stress radiograph for evaluation of chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: Among patients undergoing the modified-Brostrom procedure, 42 cases with complete rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament were enrolled in this study. Sixty Korean adults (120 cases) were recruited as the control group. Radiologic measurement of talar tilt and anterior talar translation was performed through stress radiographs using Telos device. We obtained the normal range of Korean adults, and used as a standard value for judgment of mechanical instability. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative prediction value of ankle stress radiograph. Results: On ankle stress radiograph, normal range of talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation was below $8.3^{\circ}$, below 7.6mm. Talar tilt angle on varus stress radiograph showed 57% of sensitivity, 97% of specificity, 89% of positive and 86% of negative prediction value. Anterior talar translation on anterior drawer stress radiograph showed 69% of sensitivity, 97% of specificity, 91% of positive and 90% of negative prediction value. Conclusion: Ankle stress radiograph had a good specificity, positive and negative prediction value for the evaluation of mechanical instability. However it underestimated the mechanical instability of ankle joint. It must be remembered that normal stress radiograph does not exclude ankle instability.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.108-114
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• 2014

Purpose: Ligament reattachment technique using a suture anchor appears to show satisfactory functional outcomes and mechanical stability compared with conventional bone tunnel technique. This study was prospectively conducted in order to evaluate functional outcomes of modified Brostrom procedures using the suture bridge technique for chronic ankle instability in athletes. Materials and Methods: Twenty eight athletes under 30 years of age were followed for more than two years after undergoing the modified Brostrom procedure using the suture bridge technique. Functional evaluation consisted of the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS), foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) score. Range of motion and time to return to exercise were evaluated using a periodic questionnaire. Talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation were measured through stress radiographs for evaluation of mechanical stability. Results: FAOS improved significantly from preoperative mean 59.4 points to 91.4 points (p<0.001). Daily living and sport activity scores of FAAM improved significantly from preoperative mean 50.5, 32.5 points to 94.8, 87.3 points, respectively (p<0.001). Talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation improved significantly from preoperative mean $16.8^{\circ}$, 13.5 mm to $4.2^{\circ}$, 4.1 mm at final follow-up (p<0.001). Times to return to exercise were as follows: mean 10.2 weeks in jogging, 15.4 weeks in spurt running, 13.1 weeks in jumping, 11.5 weeks in walking on uneven ground, 9.1 weeks in standing on one leg, 7.2 weeks in tip-toeing gait, 8.4 weeks in squatting, and 10.6 weeks in descending stairs. Conclusion: Modified Brostrom procedure using the suture bridge technique showed satisfactory functional outcomes for chronic ankle instability in athletes. Optimal indication and cost-effectiveness of the suture bridge technique will be studied in the future.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2022

Purpose: The modified Broström repair (BR) technique has yielded good outcomes in patients with chronic ankle instability. This study compared clinical and radiological outcomes between two groups of patients who underwent modified BR or lateral ligament augmentation using suture tapes (ST). Materials and Methods: Seventy-seven patients (ST group [n=47], BR group [n=30]; body mass index <26.61 kg/m²; mean age, 30.7±11.0 years [range, 17~39 years]; mean follow-up, 34.0±12.0 months [range, 24~59 months]) were retrospectively reviewed between January 2014 and July 2017. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Sefton grading system were used for clinical assessment. The talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation were measured using the Telos stress device (Telos GmbH, Marburg, Germany) at 150 N for radiological evaluation. Results: FAOS, AOFAS, FAAM, and VAS scores improved in both groups at final follow-up (ST, 91.1±5.2, 93±2, 88.1±4.5, 1.5±0.7 vs. BR, 91.3±5.4, 93±3, 83.3±4.8, 1.2±0.7, respectively; p=0.854, 0.971, <0.001, 0.04, respectively). According to the FAOS, mean sports activity scores for the ST and BR groups at the final follow-up were 90.3±3.2 and 76.6±4.2, respectively, reflecting superior outcomes in the ST group (p<0.001). Sefton grading revealed satisfactory functional outcomes (ST, 91.5% vs. BR, 90.0%). There was significant improvement in the talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation in both the ST and BR groups (7.6°±1.2°, 10.5±1.8 mm vs. 4.9°±1.1°, 7.9±1.5 mm, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: The ST group demonstrated comparable clinical but better improvement in mechanical stability and FAOS sports scores than the BR group.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.69-77
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• 2011

Purpose: This study was retrospectively performed to compare the clinical outcomes of modified Brostrom procedures using the single suture anchor and the double suture anchor for chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven patients were followed up for more than 1 year after the modified Brostrom procedures using suture anchor. Single surgeon treated seventeen cases with single suture anchor and 20 cases with double suture anchor. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the Karlsson scale and Sefton grading system. Radiologic measurement of the talar tilt and anterior talar translation was performed through anterior and varus stress radiographs using Telos device. Results: The Karlsson scale had improved significantly from preoperative average of 45.2 points to 89.4 points in single suture anchor group, and from 46.4 points to 90.5 points in double suture anchor group. According to the Sefton grading system, 15 cases (88.2%) in single suture anchor group and 18 cases (90%) in double suture anchor group achieved satisfactory results. The talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation had improved significantly from preoperative average of $13.6^{\circ}$ and 8.6 mm to $5.4^{\circ}$ and 4.1 mm in single suture anchor group, from $14.1^{\circ}$ and 8.4mm to $3.9^{\circ}$ and 4 mm in double suture anchor group. Double suture anchor technique was significantly superior in postoperative talar tilt. Conclusion: Single and double suture anchor techniques produced similar clinical and functional outcomes except for talar tilt, which was significantly superior in double suture anchor group. Both modified Brostrom procedures using the single and double suture anchor appear to be effective treatment methods for chronic lateral ankle instability. Further evaluation of clinical outcomes and biomechanical studies in athletes are needed.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.12-16
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• 2017

Purpose: Anterior drawer and varus stress radiographs are commonly to diagnose chronic lateral ankle instability. We compared the preoperative stress radiographs with the intraoperative radiographs under anesthesia to determine the accuracy and efficacy of stress radiographs in an outpatient clinical environment. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from patients who underwent a modified $Brostr{\ddot{o}}m$ operation for painful chronic unilateral lateral ankle instability between January 2014 and June 2016. Subjects were divided into three groups-complete tear, partial tear, and instability without rupture-according to the status of preoperative MRI findings of the anterior talofibular ligament. The anterior drawer and varus stress radiographs were taken preoperatively and intraoperatively under anesthesia. Results: Ninety-six patients, with a mean age of 29.63 years, were enrolled. There were 39, 46, and 11 patients in the complete tear, partial tear, and instability without rupture groups, respectively. On the anterior drawer and varus stress radiographs of the affected limb, talar anterior translation and varus tilting were significantly increased by 2.56 mm and $2.0^{\circ}$. The gaps between the unaffected limbs were also increased by 2.47 mm and $1.32^{\circ}$ after anesthesia. Although the stress radiographs were taken under anesthesia, the results were often smaller than the diagnostic value. Conclusion: Stress radiographs for painful chronic lateral ankle instability taken at the outpatient clinic might be inaccurate for diagnosis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2022

Purpose: Despite continuous updates of standard treatment guidelines for acute ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability (CAI), in practice preferred treatment protocols vary widely. Based on a Korean Foot and Ankle Society (KFAS) member survey, this study reports current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries. Materials and Methods: A web-based questionnaire containing 34 questions was sent to all KFAS members in September 2021. Questions mainly addressed clinical experience and preferences for the diagnosis and treatment of ankle ligament injuries. Answers with a prevalence of ≥50% among respondents were considered to reflect tendencies. Results: Eighty-four of the 550 members (15.3%) responded. Answers that showed a tendency were as follows: commonest additional image study (ultrasound), conservative treatment modality (immobilization, oral medication), frequency of surgical treatment (<5 cases per annum), most important factor when deciding on surgical treatment (activity level, e.g., occupation or sport), and commonest surgical procedure (open ligament repair). Answers that showed a tendency for CAI were as follows: most important symptom (repeated sprain, giving way), radiological factors (talar tilt, osteochondral lesion, anterior talar translation), and patient factors (occupation, sports activities, recurrent instability after surgery, etc.). For decision making regarding surgical treatment and method, the most preferred surgical procedure was the modified Broström procedure, and the most common repair technique was suture anchor technique. The following were considered poor prognostic factors; generalized laxity, failed previous surgery, cavovarus, severe mechanical instability, heavy work, obesity, and dissatisfaction after surgery because of residual pain. Conclusion: This study updates information regarding current trends in the management of ankle ligament injuries in Korea, and reveals consensus opinions and variations in approaches to patients with an acute or chronic injury. The divergence of approaches identified indicates the need for further studies to determine standard guidelines and long-term results.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.45-50
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients who had undergone total ankle arthroplasty from February 2005 to June 2006 were reviewed. Eleven patients were male and three patients were female. The mean age was 52.8 years (range, 33 to 69 years). The mean follow-up duration was 15.9 months (range, 12 to 24 months). Primary injuries were pilon fractures in eight cases, malleolar fractures in three, ankle syndesmotic injury in one, talus fracture and dislocation in one, and distal tibial physeal injury in one. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Range of motion (ROM), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and complications were evaluated. Results: The mean VAS improved from 8.6 preoperatively to 2.6 at last follow-up. The mean ROM improved from 24.6 degrees preoperatively to 33.1 degrees postoperatively. The mean AOFAS score improved from 44.5 points preoperatively to 75.1 points postoperatively. Radiographically, all components were stable, but there were component malpositions in two cases, including one varus malposition of tibial component and one increased anterior translation of talar component. Complications were deep infection in one case, intraoperative malleolar fracture in three, marginal wound necrosis in two, and heterotopic ossification in one. One prosthesis was revised because of deep infection. Conclusion: Total ankle arthroplasty for the post-traumatic osteoarthritis is believed to be an useful method for preservation of the motion, relief of the pain and high satisfaction of patients in short-term results.