What is surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability?
Surgery for Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability is typically recommended when the more conservative treatment options have been ineffective in stabilizing the ankle. Conservative efforts that are often explored first include physical therapy, bracing and ankle strengthening exercises.
The most used surgical procedures for chronic lateral ankle instability include:
- Broström-Gould procedure: This technique is used to repair and tighten the stretched or torn ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The surgeon performing this procedure may use sutures or anchors to reattach the ligaments to the bone and restore stability to the ankle joint.
- Anatomic ligament reconstruction: In circumstances where the ligaments are severely damaged or insufficient, the surgeon may perform a ligament reconstruction using a tendon graft from another part of the body to replace the damaged ligaments.
- Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure, Arthroscopic surgery involves using a small camera and specialized instruments to repair the damaged ligaments and remove any scar tissue or loose fragments in the ankle joint.
What should I expect after surgery?
Recovery from a surgery to repair chronic lateral ankle instability will vary depending on the specific procedure performed and taking into consideration the individual’s overall health. Physical therapy will often be used a complement to the recovery process to help the patient regain strength, flexibility and stability in the affected ankle joint.