Technique for Arthroscopic Deltoid Ligament Repair With Description of Safe Zones

Abstract

Repair of the deltoid ligaments is suggested in patients with medial ankle instability after a ligamentous injury or lateral malleolar fracture fixation. Arthroscopy can be a definitive mode of determining whether there is medial instability and, therefore, help to determine whether there is a need to repair the deltoid ligaments. The authors describe a technique for the arthroscopic repair of the deltoid ligaments, using a suture passer and suture anchors. Cadaveric analysis was utilized to establish safe zones and indicate that there is a relatively wide safe zone between the posterior tibialis tendon and the saphenous vein when performing the technique. The authors have performed more than 87 arthroscopic deltoid repairs, with a greater than 90% satisfaction rate among patients. However, future studies with validated outcome measures are needed. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.