The lasso-loop technique is equivalent to the simple suture technique in arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair

Purpose To compare the clinical outcomes of the lasso-loop and simple suture techniques in arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Methods From 2018 to 2020, patients with CLAI who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair using the lasso-loop or simple suture technique were matched 1:1 (arthroscopic lasso-loop [AL] group, n = 29; simple arthroscopic suture [AS] group, n = 29) based on age, sex, affected side, body mass index, and follow-up duration using propensity score matching and retrospectively evaluated. Karlsson score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Tegner score, anterior drawer test (ADT) results, complications, patient-reported satisfaction, and magnetic resonance (MR) re-evaluation findings of ATFL quality were used to describe the outcomes. Results The patient characteristics or follow-up durations did not significantly differ between the two groups. The Karlsson score, VAS score, and Tegner score improved significantly in both groups after a mean follow-up duration of 29.6 & PLUSMN; 2.8 months. The postoperative clinical scores, ADT results, satisfaction rates, complication rates and MR re-evaluation findings were not significantly different between the two groups at the latest follow-up. Conclusion The lasso-loop technique was equivalent to the simple suture technique in arthroscopic ATFL repair for the treatment of CLAI after a minimum follow-up of 2 years, suggesting that the simple suture technique is sufficient for arthroscopic ATFL repair in most patients without the need to add a lasso loop.