The Use of Arthroscopic Thermal Shrinkage to Treat Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability in Young Athletes

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage performed for chronic lateral ankle instability in soccer players. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: We reviewed 22 male soccer players (average age, 18 years) with chronic lateral ankle instability who underwent arthroscopic thermal shrinkage between 1997 and 1998. The only exclusion criterion for this study was the failure of previous surgery. Before surgery, all patients had participated in a physical rehabilitation program consisting of peroneal strengthening exercises and proprioceptive training for several months, without any relief of their symptoms. All patients were characterized by repeated episodes of giving way, a positive anterior drawer sign, and positive stress radiographs. The stress radiographs consisted of a sagittal stress and talar tilt by the TELOS device (Fallston, MD). The Karlsson and Peterson ankle function scoring scale was used to assess these patients for their current activity level as well as activity before surgery. Results: Patients were reviewed at a mean of 42 months (range, 32 to 56 months); 19 patients (86.3%) reported a good or excellent functional outcome as assessed by the Karlsson and Peterson ankle function scoring scale. Eighteen of the 22 patients presented no evidence of ankle instability on physical examination or on stress radiographs. Only 1 patient was not able to return to his previous level of sports activity and complained of ankle instability when walking on uneven ground. Conclusions: This study suggests that arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage is a valid and safe procedure for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. Longer follow-up is needed, however, to see how these results may change with time in high-demand athletes. Level of Evidence: Level IV.