12-year outcome after modified Watson-Jones tenodesis for ankle instability

In a retrospective study, the long term outcome of the modified Watson-Jones tenodesis according to Lemberger and Kramer was determined using a questionnaire, clinical examination, radiographic data, including stress views, measurement of plantar pressure distribution, and peroneal reaction times on a tilt board. Twenty-five male patients (mean age, 34 years) with a mean followup of 12 years from surgery were available for examination. Eighteen patients (72%) were classified clinically as having excellent or good results. The higher presence of osteophytes in the surgically treated ankle in comparison with the opposite side indicated the progression of arthrosis with time, but this finding could not be related to the reconstruction method. Anterior drawer and talar tilt were reduced significantly in comparison with the preoperative stress radiographs. No differences in plantar pressure distribution were seen between the patients' surgically treated and nonsurgically treated feet. The peroneal reaction times of the peroneus brevis and peroneus longus muscles were significantly shorter in the surgically treated foot compared with the opposite side. It was concluded that the modified Watson-Jones tenodesis effectively corrected lateral ankle instability with no clinical deterioration with time and no influence on gait.