Lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle with a modified Watson-Jones operation.

A modified Watson-Jones technique, using only half of the peroneus brevis tendon, was applied as an operative procedure for lateral ankle instability. Twenty-nine patients with 30 operated ankles were examined with an average follow-up period of 7 years and 6 months. Functional stability was achieved in all but one of the operated ankles. In 15 cases there were periodic pains and swelling on activity, while the remaining 14 ankles were without symptoms. Supination of the foot was slightly decreased in 4 cases.