ANKLE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Many persons with unstable ankles were previously disabled by their accident. Those were the days. Today, arthroscopic ligament restoration is a highly efficient method of stabilising ankles that have been rendered unstable due to ligament injuries. In addition to preventing future injury, the objective of arthroscopic ligament restoration is to remove or at least lessen discomfort so you can walk.

The majority of damaged ankles recover on their own without the need for ankle ligament restoration. However, there are three circumstances in which significant foot and ankle discomfort following a sprain, or repetitive sprains, require surgery. What are the three circumstances that necessitate surgery for ligament restoration after a sprain?

When your ankle is extremely unstable on physical examination immediately following an injury and an MRI reveals significant ligament damage.

• If your ankle ligaments are completely ripped (grade III) and your ankle is still unstable after many weeks of self-healing in an ankle foot orthosis.

• If lateral ankle sprains continue to occur as a result of lateral ankle ligament laxity, the ligaments can be tightened (Broström surgery) to avoid additional injuries.

In preparation for surgery, your foot and ankle specialist will suggest that you undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the ankle. The MRI is used to determine the amount of ankle ligament injuries.