Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
In the past many people with unstable ankles were left handicapped by their injury. Those days are gone. Today arthroscopic ligament reconstruction is a highly effective means of stabilizing ankles left unstable by ligament tears. The goal of arthroscopic ligament reconstruction, in additional to preventing further damage, is to eliminate or at least reduce the pain so you can walk.
If you have questions about whether arthroscopic ankle reconstruction is the solution for your ankle pain due to instability and chronic strain you can reach our team by phone at 602.256.2525.
Your foot and ankle specialist will request that you undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle in consideration of surgery. The purpose of the MRI is to see the extent of tears in your ankle ligaments.
If your doctor or specialist suspects your ankle is unstable on physical examination, then an MRI will be obtained. If the exam suggests gross instability AND MRI shows substantial ligament damage, then you may be at risk of further ankle damage even in a brace. Under these circumstances your foot and ankle specialist will recommend surgery right away.
Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction surgery is done through small incisions using an arthroscope.
The surgery is done under general or local anesthesia, but you can go home the same day, so that hospitalization is not necessary. Your ankle will need to be immobilized for 4 months after surgery. A splint is used for the first 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks), followed by 4 weeks in a boot, then a lace up ankle brace until you reach 4 months after surgery.
Arthroscopic ankle reconstruction surgery is done by a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery of this type. If you have questions about arthroscopic ankle ligament reconstruction for the treatment of your unstable ankle after a sprain, please contact us.
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You should see a doctor immediately after an ankle sprain if there is severe swelling or bruising, or you feel like you cannot walk on it.
Does your Ankle Sprain Require Immediate Attention?
It depends on the grade of the sprain. In a grade III sprain, the ligaments of the ankle are torn all the way through. Under normal circumstances these ligaments function like a seat belt, keeping everything safe and together. You can drive without a seat belt; but, if you get in an accident, you are vulnerable to a bad injury. It is the same in your ankle. You may be able to walk even with a grade III tear, but depending on how you use your ankle, you are vulnerable to an even worse injury.
A nylon lace up ankle brace on Amazon keep your ankle safe after a sprain and helps speed healing. These braces are technically called ankle stabilizing orthosis. Type “lace up ankle brace” on the Amazon website and several good options will be presented. Do not make the mistake of relying on a simple ankle compression sleeve. The benefits of bracing require immobilization of the ankle. This best way to immobilize the ankle is with an ASO brace.
Best Supportive Brace after Ankle Sprain
Surgical repair of torn ankle ligaments is needed for severe ankle sprains involving significant ligament damage and instability that fails to heal on their own. The degree of ligament damage is shown by an MRI scan. Ankle stability is determined by your podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon on physical examination. In exceedingly rare cases of severe injury with profound ligament damage and gross instability a surgeon may recommend surgical repair of the ligaments without RICE, bracing, and physical therapy.
Is Surgery needed after an Ankle Sprain?
