Comparative Evaluation of Metallic and Biodegradable Suture Anchors in Arthroscopic Repair of Anterior Talofibular Ligament Injury: A Short-term Study on Clinical and Functional Outcomes

• Published in: Medical science monitor 2023-10, Vol.29, p.e939830-e939830
• Main Authors: Zhang, Lei, Tang, Xiaogao, You, Guixuan, Chen, Xueyi, Yang, Siyi, Shi, Houyin, Wang, Guoyou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical Research
• ISSN: 1643-3750; 1234-1010; 1643-3750
• DOI: 10.12659/MSM.939830

BACKGROUND With the development of arthroscopy and suture anchor, the modified Brostrӧm technique has made remarkable progress. However, it is unclear which material is most suitable for treating anterior talofibular ligament injury (ATFL). This study evaluated the short-term efficacy of 2 suture anchors (metal vs biodegradable materials) in arthroscopic ATFL repair. MATERIAL AND METHODS From January 2018 to December 2019, 82 patients with ankle disorders (51 men and 31 women) with ATFL injury received arthroscopic repair with suture anchor through the Brostrӧm-Gould procedure. The mean age was 38.70±9.35 years (range, 18-54 years). Each patient was followed up. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate functional status and pain. RESULTS All patients were followed up for 21.21±2.19 months (range, 18-25 months). No complications were found either group. Preoperative clinical and functional scores in both groups had no significant difference (P>0.05). The functional score increased significantly in both groups (P