[Chronic lateral ankle instability: surgical treatment with periosteum ligamentoplasty and capsular ligament tension. 34 cases].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors report a series of thirty four ankle ligamentoplasties treated between 1985 and 1995.

MATERIAL: Patients presented an average of 10.4 ankle sprains before surgical treatment. Pre-operative examination found instability in all cases, permanent pain in 58.8 p.cent limited mobility in 11.8 p.cent and permanent oedema in 23.5 p.cent. Surgical treatment associated ligamentoplasty with periosteum and capsular ligamentar tensionning.

METHODS

Minimal follow up was two years and averaged 4 years 7 months. Post operative results were assessed according to Saillant's clinical criteria (subjective instability, sprain recurrence, pain). Radiological criteria included plain and stress X-rays (anterior drawer and varus laxity).

RESULTS

The authors noticed an improvement of clinical and radiographical criteria, without ankle arthrosis or periosteum graft calcification. The global result was: 23 excellent, 4 good, 1 fair and 6 bad results. All athletes went back to sport.

DISCUSSION: Results of this series with almost 80 p.cent of excellent and good results are comparabie with others techniques for ankle ligament reconstruction.

CONCLUSION

This simple technique has a main advantages: no injury to the fibularis brevis tendon. Periosteum ligamentoplasty can then be suggested if lateral tibio-tarsal instabilities persist after proprioceptive physiotherapy.