title: Reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament for the treatment of the unstable ankle.
abstract: Chronic instability of the ankle is frequently due to disruption of the fibres of the anterior talofibular ligament and the anterolateral capsule. This allows momentary subluxations at the ankle joint; the talus tilts into an abnormal varus position and rotates forwards and inwards about a vertical axis which passes through the medial malleolus. The use of a free tendon graft to reconstruct the anterior talofibular ligament restores the stability of the ankle without restricting movement at the subtalar level.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000842:Ankle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D002648:Child; D005360:Fibula / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery