RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the indications of ankle lateral complex reconstruction using tendon graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed using the index, "ankle, instability, lateral ligament, reconstruction" from 1990 to present (September 30, 2015). We excluded 1) modified Brostrom operation (MBO), 2) conventional tenodesis surgery, 3) review article, 4) technical note, and 5) articles written in another foreign language. We reviewed 24 papers through the publication events, operational method, the indications of surgery, and the specific features of the patient group. RESULTS: There were the indications of 1) previous ligament surgery failure, 2) situation when ligament repair is impossible due to the ligament defect, 3) severe instability (preoperative talar tilt >15degrees, anterior draw >10 mm or the difference of contralateral side talar tilt >5degrees, anterior draw >3 mm), and 4) overweight (body mass index >30 kg/m2). Other considerations included 1) generalized joint laxity and 2) workers, highly-demanded or athlete highly-affected by instability. CONCLUSION: The ankle lateral complex reconstruction using tendon graft could be indicated in patients with the possibility of MBO failure with several considerations.