[Long-term results following fibulo-tarsal ligament reconstruction. Comparison of the Watson-Jones and the (modified) Chrisman-Snook techniques]

Abstract

The chronic lateral instability of the ankle joint presents a major problem after an acute tear of the lateral ankle ligaments. In this study we controlled 26 patients clinically and radiologically, who had undergone ankle ligamentoplasty (Watson-Jones and Chrisman-Snook (modified) techniques) between 1987 and 1991 because of chronic lateral ankle instability. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the more difficult Chrisman-Snook technique had better results. The patients had been suffering from a chronic lateral instability on the average of 6-7 years before surgery. The operations were performed by experienced surgeons. The follow-up-period was 5 years. The reduced postoperative ankle mobility revealed no clinically relevant difference between the two groups. Also, the complication rate were the same. The functional assessment showed good or excellent results in over 80% for both groups. Long-term clinical results of the two operations are similar and gave good or excellent results in more than 80% of the cases and are similar to other reconstructive techniques.