Associated Intra-articular Ankle Pathologies in Patients With Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Arthroscopic Findings at the Time of Lateral Ankle Reconstruction

Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) can be a debilitating condition. The literature has shown that it is also associated with a number of intra-articular pathologies of the ankle. Some argue that if unaddressed, these intra-articular pathologies can predispose patients to osteoarthritis. Previous studies of patients who underwent prelateral stabilization ankle arthroscopy have shown a high number of pathologies, including osteochondral lesions of the talus. Purpose: The current study reviewed a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with CLAI who underwent ankle arthroscopy followed by a modified Brostrom-Gould procedure to validate the previous studies. Methods: Intraoperative reports on 28 ankles in 28 consecutive patients were reviewed from 2004 to 2008. Result: All 28 ankles (100%) demonstrated varying degrees of synovitis. Talar cartilage fibrillation was observed in 7 patients (25%), and talar dome cartilage defect was visualized in 4 patients (14%). Talar dome osteochondral defect was seen in 2 patients (7%), loose bodies were found in 3 patients (11%), Bassett's lesion was seen in 2 patients (7%), and anterolateral impingement was seen in 4 patients (14%). Distal anterior tibial osteophytosis was seen in 4 patients (14%). Conclusion: This study confirms the high number of intra-articular pathologies in association with CLAI. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV.