The plantaris tendon was used to reconstruct the torn lateral ligaments
in the ankles of nine patients in whom surgical repair of the ligaments was
not feasible. All of these patients were followed for more than two years
and were able to return to their preoperative occupational and athletic
activities. The use of the plantaris tendon permits an anatomical
reconstruction of the lateral ligaments and, unlike previously described
procedures, avoids sacrificing the dynamic effect of the peroneus brevis
muscle in preventing inversion of the foot.