+917669413761
 surgery.png "Ankle Ligament Repair Surgery")
Ankle joint is a complex joint that is formed by articulation of three bones, namely-tibia, fibula (long bones of the leg) and talus (bone of the foot). The joint acts as a shock absorber when the heel first strikes the ground.
When the ligaments of the ankle joint become unstable (too weak), torn or are damaged due to an injury or some underlying pathology, an ankle ligament repair surgery is recommended. The surgery aims at restoring the normal stability of the ankle and also treats associated symptoms.
You should immediately visit your doctor in case you have injured your ankle joint and are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of the joint and look for any kind of swelling, tenderness or deformity of the ankle joint.
Some special tests will also be performed to determine which ligament (MCL or LCL) is injured. While performing the physical manoeuvre, the doctor will assess stability of the joint and pain with movement. Next, an X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is ordered. X-rays are helpful in ruling out associated fractures of the ankle joint while MRI gives a clear image of the adjoining soft tissue structures (tendons, muscles and joint capsule) of the ankle joint. If required a CT (computerised tomography) scan or a diagnostic ultrasound of the ankle joint can also be performed.
First line of management for ankle ligament injury is always conservative approach. The patient is advised to follow RICE principle –
Your doctor will prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) medicines to relieve pain and ease swelling. As the pain subsides gradually, your doctor will recommend you to start a rehabilitation program with a physical therapist to strengthen the weakened muscles and improve stability.
Surgical treatmentIn case the patient does not respond to 6 months of conservative treatment, then often surgery is recommended. Also, patients who have failed physical therapy rehabilitation and continue to have instability of the ankle may consider surgery. The type of surgery depends on the severity of symptoms and activity level. The two main options include-
Arthroscopy: minimally invasive surgical procedure to look inside the joint and determine the extent of ligament damage. Minor tears can be arthroscopically repaired.
Ligament repair surgery: this procedure is usually performed to treat severe ankle instability or major tears of the ankle ligaments. During this procedure the damaged ligament is reconstructed using a nearby ligament or tendon.
You will be asked to completely stop smoking, as smoking delays the healing process. It is very important to inform your doctor about all the medications that you are currently taking, e.g., herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, pain relieving medicines and over the counter (OTC) medicines. Some of these medicines/supplements can increase the risk of complications after tendon repair surgery. You will be asked to fast and not eat or drink anything at least 8 hours prior to surgery or as directed by your doctor.
You will be moved to the recovery room and observed for a few hours before getting discharged. Expect some pain and swelling over the ankle joint for the first few weeks after the surgery. But these symptoms will gradually wear off. Your doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medicines to help you feel better.Once you get back home, walking around (mostly for basic activities) should be done with the help of crutches. Avoid putting any weight on the operated joint during the first two weeks after the surgery. You need to wear the splint/cast for almost 10 to 14 days. After which your surgeon may replace it with a removable walking boot. An athletic ankle brace is typically used after the boot. It may take almost 6 weeks before you can put weight on the ankle.
After 6 weeks, your doctor will recommend you to begin rehabilitation with a physiotherapist. To begin with, simple ankle strengthening and stretching exercises can be performed. Sport-specific exercises can then be gradually started.Most of the patients will be able to resume their normal activities and sedentary jobs within a month after the surgery. Driving can be resumed almost 6-8 months post-surgery. However, it is recommended that you should always consult your doctor before doing so. The expected complete recovery time is around 6 to 12 months. It is recommended that patients should wear an ankle brace for up to a year while engaging in any sports activity.
