The Modified Brostrom Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability

Abstract

Twenty-eight ankles in twenty-seven patients (average age 28) underwent the Gould modification of the Brostrom repair for symptomatic lateral ankle instability. Fifty-four percent were high level professional ballet dancers, 35% were recreational athletes, and 11% were nonathletes. Follow-up averaged 64.3 months (range 30–132 months). Of the 28 operations performed, there were 26 excellent results, one good result, and one fair result. All the professional dancers obtained excellent results. There were no failures, stretch-outs, re-dos, or complications. This operation is believed to be an excellent choice for the dancer, athlete, or nonathlete who needs a stable ankle with a full range of plantarflexion and dorsiflexion and normal peroneal function.