Surgical management of chronic lateral ankle instability in adolescents

Chronic lateral ankle instability in adolescents is an infrequent result of either an acute or recurrent ankle inversion injury. The majority of these patients improve with nonoperative management. Numerous surgical interventions have been proposed when nonoperative management is ineffective. Since 1979, 12 adolescents, all girls, have undergone surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability at a major pediatric center. The average age at the time of surgery was 14 years and 3 months. Questionnaires were sent to each patient to assess subjective long-term outcome. Follow-up ranged from 1 year and 5 months to 8 years and 5 months (average 3 years and 1 month). The Watson-Jones technique was performed in six, the Evans in four, the Chrisman-Snook in one, and the Brostrom in one. At most recent follow-up, 11 adolescents had a stable ankle, 9 had a full range of ankle and subtalar motion, and 6 had returned to all activities.