Insights into Augmented Repairs of the Lateral Ankle Ligaments

Chronic ankle instability can be a disabling condition requiring surgical correction. The Brostrom procedure is the most common repair technique used for primary repair of the lateral ankle ligaments. Infrequently, this procedure fails and requires revisional surgery. Revisional cases necessitate augmentation to strengthen the repair. Highdemand athletes, patients with high Body Mass Indexes, and patients with conditions associated with ligamentous laxity may also require augmentation during the primary surgical procedure. Augmented repair techniques include use of xenografts, allograft repair techniques, and proprietary kits that use suture anchors, non-absorbable tape, and non-absorbable sutures to repair the ankle construct. Augmentation offers superior repair strength beyond the typical construct of a Brostrom repair and is indicated for use in revisional procedures and in patients with physically demanding lifestyles.