Recurrent instability of the ankle joint. Surgical repair by the Watson-Jones method

Twenty-one ankle joints with recurrent lateral instability, treated with surgical repair by the Watson-Jones method, were included in a follow-up study 1--5 years after operation. Good results were achieved in 80 per cent. However, the results were not better than those after free dissection and direct suture of the ligamentous ruptures. It is therefore recommended that the more extensive Watson-Jones procedure be reserved for selected cases.