Modified double-row suture bridge technique for the treatment of lateral ankle collateral ligament avulsion fracture: a retrospective study

Background The management of avulsion fractures of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle is a topic of debate. However, with the increase in sports injuries, the incidence of these fractures has increased.This article describes a new modified double-row suture bridge technique for the treatment of avulsion fractures of the lateral collateral ligament of the ankle and evaluates its preliminary clinical results. Methods From 2021 to 2023, a total of 15 patients with avulsion fractures of the lateral ankle ligament were treated using a modified double-row suture bridge technique. The clinical outcomes of these patients were evaluated using objective data collected through clinical examinations.The following section contains the findings, radiologic evaluations including x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, and follow-up analyses using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-foot (AOFAS) score, the Karlsson Ankle Function Score (KAFS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Preoperative and follow-up scores were compared by Student's t test. (p < 0.05). Results The mean age of the patients was 31.47 ± 7.56 years (range: 18–48). The mean follow-up time was 14.42 ± 1.51 months (range: 12–15).At final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score (P < 0.001) improved to 91.50 ± 2.65 points (range: 87–96), the mean KAFS score (P < 0.001) improved to 77.08 ± 3.97 points (range: 70–85), and Mean VAS score (p < 0.001) decreased to 0.25 ± 0.45 points (range: 0–1 points).Based on the AOFAS score, 13 patients had excellent results and 2 patients had good results. Follow-up imaging assessment showed satisfactory fracture alignment and all healed completely. Clinical examination showed good ankle mobility.At the last follow-up visit, the dorsiflexion range of motion of the ankle joint was 15–20 degrees, the plantar flexion range of motion was 43–45 degrees, the inversion range of motion was 28–34 degrees, and the eversion range of motion was 23–25 degrees. Conclusions The modified double-row suture bridge technique facilitates anatomical repositioning and effective fixation of lateral collateral ligament avulsion fractures of the ankle, thereby restoring the integrity of the lateral ankle ligament complex, and improves ankle function.This technique is simple to operate, with remarkable clinical effects, and is worthy of further promotion and use in the clinic.