Long-term results of the modified Evans repair for chronic ankle instability.

We treated 19 patients for chronic ankle instability with a modified Evans procedure. All patients were evaluated after an average follow up of 128 months with detailed questionnaire, clinical examination, and stress radiographs. Although the subjective results were reported as 8 excellent, 7 good, and 4 fair, residual pain was reported by 11 patients. There was a significantly increased number of osteophytes in the treated ankle joint. Stress radiographs demonstrated significantly improved stability in the operated ankle joint. Range of motion was significantly reduced in hindfoot inversion. The results showed that the modified Evans procedure achieved sufficient joint stability at the expense of inversion range of motion. This reconstruction method apparently did not prevent the development of arthrosis.