Preoperative Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio Can Indicate the Outcomes in Repair of I-III Degree Injury of Lateral Ankle Ligament.

Background: This study is aimed at exploring the prognostic value of preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), an index of systemic inflammation before operation, in ankle lateral ligament repair (ALLR).

Methods: A total of 213 I-III degrees injuries of lateral ankle ligament patients received ALLR and were followed up for more than 2 years. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between preoperative LMR and postoperative recovery. The evaluations of postoperative recovery include American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson-Peter ankle score (KPAS), Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM). The prognostic value of preoperative LMR was measured by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results: 178 patients (178 ankles) were followed up successfully, with a follow-up of 2.82 ± 1.54 years. Overall, the mean AOFAS, KPAS, CAIT and VAS scores, and ankle varus angle were significantly improved at the final follow-up. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis showed that preoperative LMR was the only independent factor associated with postoperative function, ROM, and pain. The preoperative LMR of patients with poor recovery was significantly lower than that of patients with good recovery. Based on the ROC analysis, the cutoff value of preoperative LMR was 3.824. The clinical outcomes of patients with preoperative LMR < 3.824 were significantly lower than that of patients with preoperative LMR ≥ 3.824. The corresponding specificity and sensitivity were 84.6% and 71.4%.

Conclusion: The clinical outcomes of open or arthroscopic repair for ATFL injury are satisfactory. As a marker of systemic inflammation, preoperative LMR can be used as a prognostic indicator for ALLR.