Hamstring Autograft for Lateral Ligament Stabilization

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This paper seeks to review the current literature and trends regarding use of hamstring autograft for lateral ankle instability. Recent Findings: Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft has been found to be an effective method to treat ankle instability in terms of patient-reported outcomes and objective measures. Biomechanically, reconstruction has been shown to be stronger (load to failure) when compared with the Broström procedure. Clinical studies have demonstrated non-inferiority when compared with the Broström procedure, with one synthetic reconstruction technique demonstrating superior outcomes. Summary: Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft is especially useful in patients who are at high risk of failure (insufficient soft tissue available for repair, ligamentous laxity, previous failed ligament repair, ossicle > 1 cm, or in the heavier, high-demand athletes).