Gait pattern analysis after ankle ligament reconstruction (modified Evans procedure)

We followed 38 patients with chronic ankle instability treated by a modified Evans procedure. Evaluation at an average of 68 months follow-up included a standard clinical questionnaire and examination, radiological procedures, and gait analysis. Plantar pressure distribution measurements were recorded during walking and were compared with data from a group of normal subjects (N = 100). The subjective patient questionnaire revealed 87% good or excellent results, but residual pain was reported by 40% of the patients. The gait analysis indicated a significant increase in midfoot loading (22%) consistent with an observed restriction of inversion after surgery. However, the plantar pressure changes were not associated with poor clinical outcome. We cannot say whether these increased pressures will be associated with long-term outcome.