Ankle lateral ligament complex injury is common. Traditional ‘Brostrum’ repair, performed either open or arthroscopically, still has a protracted post-operative period. The ‘Internal Brace’ provides a scaffold for the ligament repair and acts as a ‘check-rein’ preventing further injury. 16 patients with ankle instability and injury to the Anterior-Talo-Fibular-Ligament (ATFL) confirmed on MRI were identified. All had completed a period of conservative treatment. All had symptoms of pain in the region of the ATFL and described a feeling of instability. Surgery was performed under general anaesthetic and regional popliteal block. Anterior ankle arthroscopy demonstrated a positive ‘drive through’ in all cases. The ATFL was absent and in the majority replaced by incompetent scar. Scar tissue was removed from the anterior aspect of the ankle allowing visualisation of the fibula and lateral talar neck. Using the Internal Brace system (Arthrex), a 3.5mm swivel-lock with fibre-tape was placed into the fibula. With the ankle in plantar flexion, to allow appropriate tensioning, the distal end of the fibre-tape was secured to the talar neck, at a 45 degree angle, with a 4.75mm biotenodesis screw. The patient was placed into a moon-boot for 7–10 days and mobilised fully weight-bearing. Pre-op score, using EDQ-5, MOXFQ, AOFAS and visual analogue scores, with post-op PROMS were performed. All patients reported improvement in their symptoms at 6 week visit. The majority were back to normal activities at 12 weeks. The few that were not, had missed physiotherapy appointments for various reasons. There were no infections and no implant failures. Arthroscopy allows direct visualisation for accurate placement of the Internal Brace. Post-operatively recovery is expedited due to the stability provided by the ‘Brace’, permitting a more aggressive rehabilitation programme. The greatest potential is arguably for the elite athlete, where an accelerated return to full activity has significant occupational implications.
The National institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for thromboprophylaxis following lower limb surgery and plastercast immobilisation recommend pharmacological prophylaxis be considered until the cast is removed. These guidelines have been extrapolated from data for hip and knee arthroplasty, and trauma studies. Recent studies have questioned the validity of these guidelines. At Portsmouth, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is prescribed for 14 days following surgery in high risk patients. The protocol predates the most recent NICE guidance. We set out to investigate whether this was a safe method of thromboprophylaxis following elective hindfoot surgery. A retrospective audit of all patients undergoing hindfoot surgery between 01/01/10 and 31/12/12 was performed. All patients were immobilised in a POP backslab and prescribed 14 days of LMWH. All patients were reviewed at 2 weeks and converted to a full cast or boot. Immobilisation was continued for between 6 and 12 weeks. A list of all patients who had undergone investigation for deep vein thrombosis at Queen Alexandra hospital from 01/01/10 to 28/03/13 was obtained from the VTE investigation department. The two lists were cross referenced to identify any DVTs occurring following hindfoot surgery and plastercast immobilisation.Introduction:
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