Modified incision for Brostrom lateral ligament reconstruction of the ankle.

PURPOSE To describe a modified incision for the Brostrom procedure to correct lateral ankle instability. METHODS 14 men and 12 women aged 23 to 38 (mean, 27) years with lateral ankle instability underwent the Brostrom procedure with a modified incision to repair both the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, without endangering the sural or superficial peroneal nerves. The incision ran longitudinally over the distal fibula extending 2.5 cm distal to the tip of the lateral malleolus. RESULTS There were no instances of wound healing problems, neurological damage, and repair failure. Surgical exposure of all patients was graded as excellent. CONCLUSION The modified incision enables easy repair without endangering the sural and superficial peroneal nerves. Access to the peroneal tendons is allowed if necessary.