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.
Orthopaedic Unit and Kirk Kilgour Sports Injury Centre, S. Andrea Hospital, University of Rome Sapienza, Via Grottarossa, 1035 Rome, Italy.
Federico
F
Morelli
Dario
D
Perugia
Antonio
A
Vadalà
Pierluigi
P
Serlorenzi
Andrea
A
Ferretti
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D056352:Athletes; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult