Correction of chronic lateral ligament instability of the ankle by use of the Broström procedure. A report of 15 cases.

This paper presents experience with the Broström operation, a relatively unknown surgical procedure for treating chronic instability, pain, and swelling involving the lateral aspect of the ankle. The procedure is indicated in patients unresponsive to conservative therapy. The torn ligament ends are identified and either reapproximated or reattached to the lateral malleolus or talus, depending on the site of original rupture. Of 15 consecutive patients treated, 13 obtained good or excellent results. Adequate ligamentous tissue for reconstruction was present in all cases. Stability, the primary goal in reconstructing these ligaments, was improved in all cases. Other surgical procedures for treating this symptom complex use normal anatomic structures (usually the peroneus brevis tendon) for reconstructing the anterior talofibular and/or calcaneofibular ligaments. The Broström procedure offers results comparable to other techniques but is superior because it is unnecessary to alter any normal anatomic structures.