Der Orthopäde
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The purpose of this work was to present our technique of anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using a free plantaris tendon graft. Between 1988 and 1997, 52 ankles (48 patients) were treated for chronic ankle instability resisting to a training program of minimally 3 months. The average age was 28.6 years (16 to 46 years) at the time of surgery. ⋯ The overall good and excellent results with this method may be explained by the strictly anatomic reconstruction that did not alter the kinematics nor the mechanics of the ankle joint complex. In addition the peroneal tendons were not weakened. We feel that this procedure is a better alternative to other more complex ligament reconstructions, especially tenodesis operations by using the peroneal tendon.