OBJECTIVETo investigate clinical effects of chronic anterolateral ankle instability by reconstructing lateral ligament with semitendinosus autograft.

METHODSFrom September 2014 to November 2016, 28 patients with chronic anterolateral ankle instability underwent lateral ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft. Among them, including 20 males and 8 females with an average age of 28.6 years(18 to 47 years old). Preoperative complications were recorded. AOFAS and VAS score were used to evaluate clinical outcomes.

RESULTSTwenty-eight patients were followed up from 6 to 28 months with an average of 18.2. No iatrogenic fracture or infection occurred. There was no ankle instability or limited at the latest follow-up. AOFAS score was improved from 53.1±6.8 before operation to 90.4±5.9 at the latest follow-up , and had statistical difference(<0.05); while VAS score was increased from 6.3±1.7 before operation to 0.8±0.5 at the lastest follow-up(<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSChronic anterolateral ankle instability by reconstructing lateral ligament with semitendinosus autograft has advantages of simple operation, good recovery, less compilations and good clinical effects. It is one of stable methods for the treatment of chronic anterolateral ankle instability.