Ankle ligament reconstruction
Ligament reconstruction of the ankle is indicated when there is functional instability or repeated episodes of the ankle giving way. This typically occurs after a severe ankle sprain and symptoms persisting greater than 3 months.
The ankle ligaments are reconstructed using bone anchors and then reinforced with a synthetic (collagen) ligament to provide extra support. This is typically combined with a keyhole operation of the ankle (arthroscopy) to explore the joint and address any problems inside the ankle joint itself.
Figure 1: repair of the ankle ligaments on the outside of the ankle (lateral ligaments)
Figure 2: graft may need to be used to reconstruct the ligaments on the inside of the ankle (medial deltoid ligament)
Success rates: up to 95% of patients have a good result from this operation.
Post-operative plan:
Surgery is typically a day case or overnight stay
Local anaesthetic or a nerve block is administered to help with pain
0-2 weeks: elevation at home, but weight bearing in a CAMboot is allowed
2-6 weeks: full weight bearing and weaning out of the CAMboot, ongoing physiotherapy required.
6 weeks onwards: continued rehabilitation, symptoms can sometimes take up to 6 months or longer to resolve fully.
Download post-operative care guide
Risks of surgery
Swelling, stiffness
Infection
Wound healing problems
Scar sensitivity
Failure of the procedure (ligament re-injury)
Further procedures