Modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique for recurrent lateral ankle ligament instability

PURPOSE: To review the outcome of the modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique in patients with chronic lateral ankle ligament instability. METHODS: Between August 2003 and June 2005, 20 men aged 19 to 35 (mean, 23) years with chronic lateral instability affecting 21 ankles, underwent the modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique by a single surgeon. The mean follow-up period was 12 (range, 6-20) months. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Kaikkonen Ankle Scoring Scale. RESULTS: Preoperatively, all patients had poor scores (<50). Postoperatively, 17 (81%) of the ankles attained excellent scores (85-100) and 4 (19%) attained good scores (70-84). CONCLUSION: The modified Brostrom-Evans-Gould technique appears effective for chronic lateral ankle ligament instability, particularly in the Asian population with a higher prevalence of generalised joint hyperlaxity.