Background: The Weber operation is an anatomical reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament with the plantaris tendon. Few long-term studies have been published.
Methods: We evaluated 40 ankles in 37 patients (19 women) at an average of 24 years after the procedure.
Results: At follow-up, symptoms were present to vary-ing degrees in half of the ankles, but 32 patients were satisfied with the result and approximately two-thirds of the patients had a good or excellent result with the Karlsson and Good scores. Only 3 ankles had secondary arthrotic changes with narrowing (2 patients) or disappearance (1 patient) of the joint space.
Interpretation: We conclude that the Weber procedure is a good alternative for treatment of chronic anterolateral ankle instability when a direct anatomical reconstruction is not feasible, or has failed.