Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the results of a novel surgical technique for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability with attenuated or deficient ligamentous tissue that the modified Broström procedure could not be performed. A lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon has been performed. Methods Thirty-four consecutive patients treated with lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon were enrolled. Median age at surgery was 24 years (range 19–46 years). The clinical and radiologic outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at a median of 21 months (range 12–51 months) follow-up. Results The Karlsson–Peterson ankle score significantly improved from 58.2 ± 10.9 points preoperatively to 83.9 ± 7.0 points at the last follow-up. Mechanical stability was achieved. The mean talar tilt angle significantly improved from 15.7° ± 3.5° preoperatively to 4.6° ± 1.7° at the last follow-up, and the mean anterior talar translation significantly improved from 7.3 ± 2.6 mm preoperatively to 4.1 ± 1.7 mm at the last follow-up. Fifteen patients (52 %) were very satisfied with the results, nine patients (31 %) were satisfied, four patients (14 %) were fair, and one patient (3 %) was dissatisfied with the results. Conclusions Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction using the anterior half of the peroneus longus tendon can be a surgical option for chronic lateral ankle instability with attenuated or deficient ligaments. Level of evidence Case-series, Level IV.