Modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique for recurrent lateral ankle ligament instability.

Abstract

To review the outcome of the modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique in patients with chronic lateral ankle ligament instability. Between August 2003 and June 2005, 20 men aged 19 to 35 (mean, 23) years with chronic lateral instability affecting 21 ankles, underwent the modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique by a single surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 12 (range, 6-20) months. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Kaikkonen Ankle Scoring Scale. Preoperatively, all patients had poor scores (<50). Postoperatively, 17 (81%) of the ankles attained excellent scores (85-100) and 4 (19%) attained good scores (70-84). The modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique appears effective for chronic lateral ankle ligament instability, particularly in the Asian population with a higher prevalence of generalised joint hyperlaxity.