The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to analyze return to pre-injury activity level on subjects with lateral ankle instability undergoing a modified Broström reconstruction procedure for repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). The subjects undergoing ATFL reconstructive procedure using the Artelon FLEXBAND® system as an augmentation device will be compared to subjects undergoing a standard modified Broström procedure alone. Artelon FLEXBAND is a commercially available, polycaprolactone (PCL) polyurethane urea (PUUR) multipolymer synthetic knitted mesh that is used for soft tissue reinforcement procedures. The device is biocompatible and degradable and has been used as an augmentation device in over 50,000 Orthopedic tendon and ligament reconstructive procedures. Artelon FLEXBAND has received its FDA 510(k) clearance. Enrollment is expected to take approximately 1 year. All subjects will be followed for 2 years post-operatively for a total study duration of approximately 3 years. Study follow-up visits will occur at 2-, 6-, 12-, 18- and 26-weeks, and 1- and 2-years after surgery. Possible, anticipated procedure-related risks associated with using the FLEXBAND device include, but are not limited to, infections, both deep and superficial, allergies or other reaction to device materials, dislocation, subluxation or inadequate scope of movement as a result of failure to achieve optimum positioning of the implant, bone fractures as a result of one-sided overload or weakened bone structure, temporary or permanent nerve damage as a result of pressure or hematoma, wound hematoma, and delayed wound healing. Benefits include improvement in function, including return to pre-injury activity levels.

Total ankle replacement has become an increasingly recommended treatment option for endstage ankle osteoarthritis over the last decades. As a result of this progress, a large variety of implant systems exist.

The Hintermann Series H3 Total Ankle Replacement System (H3) is a three-piece, mobile-bearing implant. The H3 is indicated for use as a non-cemented implant to replace a painful arthritic ankle joint due to primary osteoarthritis, post-traumatic osteoarthritis, or arthritis secondary to inflammatory disease.

The purpose of this study is to investigate long-term (up to 5 years) how the H3 implant is performing, collect information about the device through x-rays of the joint, document any complications from the device implant, see how the device affects patient quality of life.