Objectives: Anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex in the ankle.
Indications: Chronic lateral ankle instability.
Contraindications: Severe osteoarthritis, obesity, hindfoot varus, general contraindications (infection, circulatory disorders, diabetic foot syndrome).
Surgical technique: Anatomical V‑shaped reconstruction of the lateral ligament complex with half of the peroneus brevis tendon and additional retinaculum stabilization.
Postoperative management: Lower leg orthesis (e. g. protect.CAT Walker, medi GmbH, Bayreuth, Germany) for 6 weeks. Week 1-2, no weight bearing, no active pro- and supination. Starting in week 3-4, begin with partial weight bearing, pain adapted. Starting in week 7, free range of motion, begin with progressive training.
Results: Between March 2014 and June 2016, 16 patients (6 female, 10 male) were treated with the above-named technique. Average age was 32.8 years (range 17.9-57.1 years). Ten patients completed the 6‑ and 12-month follow-ups. None of these 10 patients reported a feeling of instability. In the clinical examination, the lateral ligament complex was stable. Patients showed a free range of motion at the 12-month follow-up.
Keywords: Ankle joint; Ankle lateral ligament; Joint instability; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Subtalar joint.