Arthroscopic versus open management of chronic lateral ankle instability: A prospective randomized controlled trial

This study compared the safety, efficacy, short-, and long-term clinical outcomes of open versus arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair in management of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). This randomized clinical trial enrolled 40 patients with CLAI despite ≥6 months of conservative management or avulsion injury of anterior talofibular ligament at the fibular attachment confirmed arthroscopically. Patients were randomized to receive either open Broström-Gould (Group A) or arthroscopic Broström-Gould repair (Group B). Patients were followed-up for 18 months. Primary outcomes were Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, and Karlsson Ankle Functional Score. Secondary outcomes included operative time, postoperative complications, and return-to-work interval. Operative time was significantly shorter in the open Broström-Gould group than in arthroscopic group (44.2±8.5 vs. 79.5±23.11 min; p