Table of Contents
Why consider ankle ligament repair?
Individuals who suffer from ankle instability, an untrusting feeling that the ankle will roll when stepping on any irregular surface, are candidates for ankle ligament reconstruction.
Which ankle ligaments are most commonly involved?
Ligaments on the outside of the ankle are most commonly damaged from ankle sprains. There are three anatomic ligament bands that can be damaged. If the damage is severe, the ankle bone (talus) can shift in the ankle socket producing a feeling of instability. Ligaments can be intact but loose of damaged beyond repair. Other ligament locations are between the leg bones (syndesmosis) and on the inside of the ankle (deltoid ligaments). High energy injury mechanisms are typically needed to injure these ligaments.
How is a loose or elongated ankle ligament repaired?
Is it possible to do surgery to treat ankle ligaments that are damaged beyond repair?
Can the deltoid ligaments be reconstructed?
In many cases yes, but this is the most difficult of the situations. Usually, there is collateral damage to other structures of the foot at the point when the deltoid ligaments fail.
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How involved is ankle ligament reconstruction?
The surgery typically takes 1-1.5 hours to perform depending on the complexity of the repair. It requires working in an operating room and is done as a day surgery.
What is the recovery?
What to Do Next?
If you or someone you know thinks they have suffered an ankle ligament injury, seek out the help of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
