Outcome of the modified Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability using suture anchors

The modified Broström procedure is an anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments. The present study evaluated twenty-two patients (mean age = 27.2 years) with chronic lateral ankle instability who underwent surgical repair of their lateral ankle ligaments using suture anchors as part of the modified Broström procedure. All surgeries were performed by the senior author (AK) on an outpatient basis. At a mean follow-up of 34.5 months (minimum of 18 months), twenty patients (91%) reported a good or excellent functional outcome as assessed by the Karlsson and Peterson ankle function scoring scale. One patient developed a superficial wound infection post-operatively that was eradicated with a course of oral antibiotics. Sixteen of the twenty-two patients were available for follow-up physical examination and stress radiographs. Fourteen of the sixteen patients had no evidence of instability on physical examination or on stress radiographs. One patient had diminished sensation in the superficial peroneal nerve distribution. Five of the sixteen patients had generalized ligamentous laxity; none of these patients had an excellent result, and they had lower "Overall Satisfaction" scores (P=0.013). We conclude that the use of suture anchors is a simple and effective adaptation of the modified Broström procedure, which results in a good or excellent outcome in the majority of patients with few complications.