One hundred and seventy-six patients (180 ankles) who had chronic
lateral instability of the ankle were treated with transection and
imbrication of the anterior talofibular ligament. Sixty-eight of the ankles
had reconstruction of the calcaneofibular ligament as well. Of the 176
patients, 148 (152 ankles) were available for follow-up, which ranged from
two to twelve years (mean, six years). An excellent or good result was
achieved in 132 ankles, all of which had improved mechanical stability as
measured radiographically. Sixteen of the twenty ankles that had an
unsatisfactory result were in patients who had generalized hypermobility of
the joints or long-standing local ligamentous insufficiency, or both, or
who had had a previous operation. Reconstruction of both ligaments gave a
better functional result than when only the anterior talofibular ligament
was reconstructed.