Table 3.

Advantages and Limitations of Procedure

Advantages

Arthroscopy enables better tissue characterization.

Arthroscopy provides less postoperative swelling and discomfort.

Arthroscopic ligament repair provides better esthetic results.

There is a small amount of aggression to bone (2.1-mm drill tunnel).

There is a small risk of complications inherent to rigid anchors once these implants are made of all-soft, all-suture material.

The technique does not require experience in knot-tying techniques.

The technique diminishes the risk of bulky knots and knot migration.

The technique diminishes the risk of glove perforation and skin tears.

Limitations

Ankle ligament arthroscopic repair requires previous experience in ankle arthroscopy.

Few specific instruments have been developed for this specific purpose. This fact might create additional difficulties.

This procedure is not “universal.” It is only indicated when the remnant of the ATFL is considered suitable for repair.

Objective preoperative and perioperative criteria to define which ATFL remnants are suitable for repair are lacking.

The use of suture anchors increases the cost compared with some classic techniques.

ATFL, anterior talofibular ligament.