Modified Watson-Jones technique for chronic lateral ankle instability in athletes: Clinical and radiological mid- to long-term follow-up

Background: We clinically and radiologically assessed mid- to long-term follow-up of a group of patients treated with a modified Watson-Jones technique for chronic ankle instability. Methods: Fourteen athletes were retrospectively evaluated with physical examination, and Tegner, Good and AOFAS scales; moreover, a 2-view stress, side-to-side X-ray, was performed. Results: All patients were followed-up at a mean of 10.8 years. No one reported further ankle sprains. Mean Good scale value decreased from 3.7 to 1.6, while the Tegner scale decreased from 6.8 to 5.1; the mean AOFAS score was 92.2. Mean sagittal-plane ROM was 62.3° (4.9° S/S difference), while mean coronal-plane ROM was 25.5° (3.8° S/S difference). Mean X-ray talar tilt angle was 4.5° (0.1° S/S difference), while mean anterior drawer test angle was 5.4. mm (0.5. mm S/S difference). Conclusions: The modified Watson-Jones procedure seems to be a reliable technique in providing satisfactory mid- to long-term clinical and radiological results. © 2010 European Foot and Ankle Society.