Ankle injuries are extremely common, and the vast majority of ankle “sprains” (“twisted ankle”) recover fully within six weeks of injury. Occasionally, if the ligaments are severely disrupted, patients may suffer weakness or giving way of the ankle beyond this period.
Ankle Ligament Repair and Reconstruction
What is ankle instability and how is it caused?
What are the symptoms?
Most people with ankle instability complain of one or more of the following:
- The ankle gives way on uneven ground, playing sport or even just walking
- Pain with each episode, which recovers quickly
- Feeling of instability or weakness in the ankle
- Swelling or puffiness
What treatments are available?
Your surgeon may decide that you need investigation, such as an MRI scan, but the first line of treatment is usually physiotherapy. A significant proportion of patients respond well enough to physiotherapy, so that surgery is no longer necessary. Various ankle braces and orthotics (insoles) are also available, and your surgeon can give you guidance with this. Surgery is only advised after the failure of conservative measures.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is carried out under general anaesthesia as a day case, or with an overnight stay. The most common operation is called a Brostrom-Gould operation, where the ligaments are repaired through an incision on the outside of the ankle. Usually the surgeon performs an arthroscopy, or keyhole examination of the ankle joint at the same time, to check the inside of the ankle joint for damage.
What about pain?
Whilst you are in hospital you will be monitored and the medical staff will give you painkillers as required and prescribed. When you are at home you may find Paracetamol or Ibuprofen useful for controlling any pain. Instructions on management of the pain will be given by the nursing staff before you leave hospital.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients stay overnight or go home the same day. You will have a “back-slab” cast below the knee, and will be required to non-weight bear for 7-10 days. Your back slab and wound dressings will be changed and stitches removed (if applicable) at the clinic during your follow-up appointment, which is usually 7-10 days after the operation. Swelling is quite common after foot and ankle surgery and this is best managed by elevating the foot at regular intervals. You are advised to elevate the operated foot/ankle on a pillow every night and during the day on three separate occasions, e.g. 11am, 3pm and 6pm for about one hour each time.
The above measures will help to reduce swelling of the ankle. These instructions should be followed for at least 10-14 days.After 10 days, you will be allowed to weight bear in a special removable ‘walker boot’ or sports ankle brace, although some patients may require the use of a plaster cast. If you have a boot or brace, you may remove it to wash and perform exercises. At six weeks after the operation, any boots or casts are discarded and you will commence physiotherapy using a sports ankle brace. Over the next six weeks, you will gradually increase activity to running, whilst wearing the brace.
Patients having had the left ankle operated on will be able to drive an automatic car within two weeks. Those who have had an operation on the right side will be able to drive after about 6-8 weeks. You are advised not to fly after surgery for about six weeks. Swimming will be possible after about 4 weeks.
When can I go back to work?
This will depend on the type of work you do. For example, if you have a desk job, you should be able to return to work with your foot up in the boot or plaster after 2-4 weeks. If on the other hand you do manual work, you may need up to 8 weeks off work.
What about sport?
After 12 weeks have elapsed, if rehabilitation has gone well, you may return to sport, initially wearing the brace.
What can go wrong?
All operations have an in-built risk and complication rate. The risks for ankle ligament reconstruction are as follows:
- Infection
- Prolonged swelling
- Nerve injury
- Stiffness of the ankle
- Deep vein thrombosis (clot in vein)
- Pulmonary embolus (clot in lung)
- Recurrent ankle instability
- Post-operative pain (including complex regional pain syndrome)
The above complications are rare but can occur.
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