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- Issue 106
- Evaluation of functional deficits using the…
Evaluation of functional deficits using the Ankle‐GOᵀᴹ score before and after arthroscopic anatomic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction among patients suffering from chronic ankle instability
Key Points
- Five months after arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, mean Ankle-GO scores improved from 8.2 to 13.9 points, although substantial functional deficits remained.
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE
Although many patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) respond well to rehabilitation (1), a proportion continue to experience recurrent sprains and functional limitations. Surgical intervention is often offered to these patients, although relatively little is known about their recovery across the different domains of physical function, self-reported function and psychological readiness.
The Ankle-GO™ is a composite outcome measure designed to assess recovery and readiness for return to sport following ankle injury. (2) It combines four functional performance tests (Modified Star Excursion Balance Test, Side Hop Test, Figure-of-8 Test and Single Leg Stance – see Video 1) with the FAAM-ADL, FAAM-Sport and ALR-RSI psychological readiness questionnaire. Scores from each component are weighted to generate an aggregate score out of 25, with higher scores reflecting better overall function. Although originally developed following lateral ankle sprain, prospective data following ankle ligament surgery remains limited.
This study by Freiha et al. aimed to comprehensively describe functional recovery five months after arthroscopic anatomical lateral ankle ligament reconstruction and identify which aspects of recovery improve most following surgery.
A key take-home message for clinicians is to ensure that end-stage rehabilitation extends beyond strength and balance training to incorporate progressive plyometric, agility and sport-specific drills before return-to-sport decisions are made.
METHODS
- This prospective multicentre cohort study included 50 physically active patients with CAI who underwent arthroscopic anatomical lateral ankle ligament reconstruction between 2022 and 2023. Surgery was reserved for patients who remained symptomatic despite at least six months of conservative management.