Lateral ankle instability and revision surgery alternatives in the athlete

Ankle instability in the athlete is a common problem that is routinely treated non-operatively, with a 90% success rate. With proprioceptive training, preventive equipment (bracing/taping), and closed kinetic chain strengthening, surgery for ankle instability is uncommon. Nonetheless, some athletes present with recurrent ankle instability that, despite work-up and conservative treatment, requires surgical correction. The use of a primary ligament repair (Brostrom procedure) versus augmented (anatomic) reconstructions is discussed in detail in this article.