Arthroscopic repair of lateral ankle instability by using the thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure: a review of 4 cases.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the preliminary effectiveness of the thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. A retrospective preoperative evaluation using a modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society's ankle scoring system was performed on 4 patients treated with the procedure. Patients were then contacted for a 6-month follow-up evaluation using the same scale. The mean preoperative score was 26 of 60 and the mean postoperative score was 51 of 60, a mean 25-point improvement. All 4 rated their satisfaction with the surgery as good or excellent and 3 of 4 stated they would have the surgery again if necessary. The thermal-assisted capsular shift procedure showed good to excellent early results in this small study group and offers the foot and ankle surgeon a minimally invasive surgical alternative for treatment of lateral ankle ligament instability.