Outcomes of Gracilis Tendon Autograft Reconstruction for ‎Chronic Anterior Talo-Fibular Ligament Tears

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Orthopedic Deparetment, Zagazig University, Egypt

2 Orthopedic Departement, Zagazig Univesity, Egypt

3 Orthopedic Department, Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of gracilis tendon autograft ‎reconstruction for chronic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) tears. Methods: Thirty ‎patients with chronic ATFL tears underwent gracilis tendon autograft reconstruction. ‎Functional outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, Karlsson–‎Peterson Score, and VAS pain scores. Ankle stability was evaluated through anterior ‎drawer and talar tilt tests. Results: During the period from January 2017 to March ‎‎2022A total of 32 patients was treated by gracilis tendon autograft reconstruction for ‎chronic ATFL tears of which 2 were lost in the follow up leaving us with 30 cases (21 ‎males and 9 females) included in this study. The age ranges from 19 to 48 years (Mean ‎‎30.5, STD 5.4). Eighteen right ankles were reconstructed. Postoperative AOFAS scores ‎improved significantly from 58.2 to 95.8 (p<0.001)‎،‎ Karlsson–Peterson scores from 53.4 ‎to 90.3 (p<0.001)‎،‎ and pain scores decreased from 5.7 to 1.0 (p<0.001). Stability tests ‎demonstrated a reduction in test positivity from 80% preoperatively to 10% ‎postoperatively (p<0.001). Conclusion: Gracilis tendon autograft is an effective surgical ‎option for ATFL reconstruction, providing substantial improvements in functional ‎outcomes and pain relief. Larger cohort studies with extended follow-up periods are ‎recommended for further validation.‎

Keywords

The Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 April 2025

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