Immediate Unrestricted Weightbearing With Simple Stirrup Brace Following Single Anchor Lateral Ankle Ligament Stabilization.

OBJECTIVE: To report on a series of patients treated with immediate unrestricted weightbearing with limited protection following single anchor lateral ligament stabilization. METHODS: Patients with chronic lateral ankle ligament instability who underwent modified Broström-Gould lateral ligament reconstruction with a single double-loaded anchor were identified. Immediate unrestricted full weightbearing in a stirrup brace was allowed the first postoperative day and accelerated physical therapy was initiated from 2 weeks. Subsequent assessment was performed at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Thirteen patients with a mean age at final follow-up of 49 years (range 21-70 years). Average follow-up was 21 months (16 to 26). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score improved significantly (P < .05) from preoperative to postoperative, respectively (57 to 91, 5.7 to 1.5). Average postoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was 82 (range 52-100). Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores averaged 55 and 49 on mental component and physical components, respectively, consistent with US age-matched averages. No measurable differences in range of motion, ligamentous stability, or Star Excursion Balance Test in the anterior, posterolateral, or posteromedial planes compared to the contralateral side (P > .05) were observed. No recurrence was reported. CONCLUSION: Immediate unrestricted weightbearing in a stirrup brace following single anchor lateral ligament reconstruction is a successful protocol for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series.

Valgus Extension Overload: Arthroscopic Decompression in the Supine-Suspended Position.

Elbow arthroscopy is a useful tool for managing diseases of the elbow, including valgus extension overload, when conservative treatments have failed. Arthroscopic access to the elbow in the supine-suspended position is simple and reproducible with the technique described in this report. Synovial tissue can be cleared, optimizing visualization of the anatomic structures in the elbow including the posterior ulnohumeral joint. This report describes, in detail, arthroscopy of the elbow in the supine-suspended position and basic principles for arthroscopic decompression of the posterior elbow for valgus extension overload.