Functional Results of Modified Mason-Allen Suture versus Horizontal Mattress Suture in the Arthroscopic Broström-Gould Procedure for Chronic Ankle Instability

Background: The arthroscopic Broström-Gould procedure (ABG) gained particular attention among clinicians and researchers due to its high rate of satisfactory results. At present, there is a lack of evidence regarding the differences in clinical outcomes for the difference suture method. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in clinical effect in patients treated with one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture or two-anchor horizontal mattress suture for chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods: : This retrospective cohort study examined CAI patients who underwent either one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture or two-anchor horizontal mattress suture ABG between January 2018 and January 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the suture knot type used and associated number of anchors. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), the rate of return to sports, complications, and measured biomechanical strength using standardized equipment in both groups. Results: : A total of 64 CAI patients were included (one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture group n=30, two-anchor horizontal mattress suture group n=34). There were no postoperative complications in two groups, and no significant differences in the VAS, AOFAS and KAFS in postoperative follow-up between two groups, and no significant differences in the rate of return to sports and postoperative ligament strength between two groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery. The operative time of one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture group were significantly lower (27.0±4.7 min vs 41.5±5.9 min). Conclusion: ABG using one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture showed comparable clinical results to two-anchor horizontal mattress suture in the treatment of CAI at intermediate-term follow-up time. But one-anchor modified Mason-Allen suture may be a faster, simpler and cost-effective substitute technology. Level of Evidence: Level Ⅲ, comparative study.