Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Arthroscopic Drilling for Ankle Lateral Instability

Posted on: 10/12/2006
Damage to the cartilage in the ankle occurs much less often than similar injuries in the knee. When it does occur, damaging osteoarthritis (OA) can develop later. When the cartilage is pulled away from its attachment to the bone it's called a full-thickness defect.

In this study surgeons use arthroscopic drilling to treat stage 2 and 3 osteoarthritis (OA) of the ankle. All cases of OA were associated with full-thickness defects. OA can be caused by a previous injury such as an ankle sprain or fracture. It can also occur as a result of ankle deformity from paralysis.

Drilling into the bone and removing any fragments of cartilage helps stimulate healing of the cartilage in this area. The authors report this treatment method works better in the ankle than it does in the knee for several reasons.

First, the cartilage in the ankle is thinner and stiffer than in the knee. Faster healing with greater regeneration of cartilage cells occurs in the ankle. This may be because of unique biomechanical properties of the ankle.

After drilling, the surgeon reconstructed the lateral ligament to increase ankle stability. The operation is described in detail. The gracilis tendon from the knee was used as the donor graft to replace the torn ankle ligaments.

Results were measured by improvements in function and anatomic changes seen on X-rays. A second-look arthroscopy was also done one year later. Patients with stage 2 OA had nearly normal joint space after the drilling and stabilization of the ankle. Severe loss of joint space was still present in patients with stage 3 OA. The authors only recommend this treatment for stage 2 OA.

References:
Masato Takao, MD, PhD, et al. Reconstruction of Lateral Ligament with Arthroscopic Drilling for Treatment of Early-Stage Osteoarthritis in Unstable Ankles. In The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery. October 2006. Vol. 22. No. 10. Pp. 119-1125.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.