Biomechanical Properties of Commonly Used Autogenous Transplants in the Surgical Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of commonly used autogenous transplants for the surgical stabilization of chronic lateral ankle instability. We dissected the transplants (peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, Achilles and plantaris tendon, periosteal flap, fascia, corium) and the anterior talofibular ligament from 13 fresh anatomic specimens. After laser-assisted measurement of the transplant diameter, we assessed their biomechanical properties with a universal testing device. Biomechanical stability of the peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, and Achilles tendons was significantly higher than the other transplants. The stability parameters of the periosteal flap were in the range of the anterior talofibular ligament but inferior to the tendons. The application of a transplant with low biomechanical stability, such as the periostal flap, requires more postoperative immobilization as in a strong orthosis or cast.