Surgical treatment of ankle instability in athletes.

Eighteen athletes with symptoms of recurrent sprain and instability of the ankle during activity were treated by reconstructing the lateral ligament by the Evans technique. Before the operation 55 per cent had given up all athletic activities because of pain, swelling or instability, and 17 per cent had restricted their activities. The average age at operation was 24.6 years and the average follow-up period 3.1 years. Normal stability was achieved in 67 per cent and improved stability in 11 per cent, but only 33 per cent were still engaged in athletic activities without any complaints from the ankle. The results are similar to other methods of surgical repair.