The present study sought to assess the clinical and radiological results and long-term joint impact of different techniques of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. Material and methods. A multicenter retrospective review was performed on 310 lateral ankle reconstructions, with a mean 13 years’ follow-up (minimum FU of 5 years with a maximum of 30). Male subjects (53%) and sports trauma (78%) predominated. Mean duration of instability was 92 months; mean age at surgery was 28 years. 28% of cases showed subtalar joint involvement. Four classes of surgical technique were distinguished: C1, direct capsulo-ligamentary repair; C2, augmented repair; C3, ligamentoplasty using part of the peroneus brevis tendon; and C4, ligamentoplasty using the whole peroneus brevis tendon. Clinical and functional assessment used Karlsson and Good-Jones-Livingstone scores; radiologic assessment combined centered AP and lateral views, hindfoot weight-bearing Méary views and dynamic views (manual technique, TelosR or self-imposed varus). Results. The majority of results (92%) were satisfactory. The mean Karlsson score of 90 [19–100] (i.e., 87% good and very good results) correlated with the subjective assessment, and did not evolve over time. Postoperative complications (20%), particularly when neurologic, were associated with poorer results. Control X-ray confirmed the very minor progression in osteoarthritis (2 %), with improved stability (88%); there was, however, no correlation between functional result and residual laxity on X-ray. Unstable and painful ankles showed poorer clinical results and more secondary osteoarthritis. Analysis by class of technique found poorer results in C4-type plasties and poorer control of laxity on X-ray in C1-type tension restoration. Discussion. The present series is the largest to be reported with so long a follow-up. We applied the same study criteria as in the present series to each article reviewed in the literature, in order to expose the compared results. The occurence of complex instability is noted. Conclusion. The present results confirm the interest 1) of lateral ankle ligamentoplasty in the management of instability and protection against secondary osteoarthritis, and 2) of precise lesion assessment (CT-scan/MRI) to adapt surgery to the ligamentary and associated lesions

We retrospectively analysed the clinical results of 30 patients with injuries of the sternoclavicular joint at a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up. A closed reduction was attempted in 14 cases. It was successful in only five of ten dislocations, and failed in all four epiphyseal disruptions. A total of 25 patients underwent surgical reduction, in 18 cases in conjunction with a stabilisation procedure.

At a mean follow-up of 60 months, four patients were lost to follow-up. The functional results in the remainder were satisfactory, and 18 patients were able to resume their usual sports activity at the same level. There was no statistically significant difference between epiphyseal disruption and sternoclavicular dislocation (p > 0.05), but the functional scores (Simple Shoulder Test, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand, and Constant scores) were better when an associated stabilisation procedure had been performed rather than reduction alone (p = 0.05, p = 0.04 and p = 0.07, respectively).

We recommend meticulous pre-operative clinical assessment with CT scans. In sternoclavicular dislocation managed within the first 48 hours and with no sign of mediastinal complication, a closed reduction can be attempted, although this was unsuccessful in half of our cases. A control CT scan is mandatory. In all other cases, and particularly if epiphyseal disruption is suspected, we recommend open reduction with a stabilisation procedure by costaclavicular cerclage or tenodesis. The use of a Kirschner wire should be avoided.