Ligament injuries, especially in the ankle, are common in both athletes and active individuals. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and instability if not treated properly. When conservative treatments do not improve symptoms, ankle ligament repair may be required.
The experts at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus are here to help if you are dealing with persistent ankle instability or recurring sprains. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.
“Sincerely takes interest in what’s going on and how he can resolve your problem. If it is something out of his scope of practice he knows exactly who to refer you to for help. He did surgery on my achilles and heel spur back in 2021 and did an awesome job. So what better place to start when you are having a feet issues!” — Kathy D.
Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery (commonly referred to as the Broström procedure) is a specific type of ankle ligament repair.
The ligaments on the outside of your foot and ankle include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). These ligaments help stabilize your foot and ankle. These ligaments can stretch and get damaged during an ankle sprain. The goal of the procedure is to tighten or replace these ligaments to restore stability to the ankle joint, reducing the risk of future injuries and improving overall function.
Ankle ligament repair, specifically lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, is typically recommended for individuals who have suffered repeated ankle sprains or those with chronic ankle instability. This instability often results from stretched or torn ligaments that fail to heal properly after an injury.
When non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, or activity modification do not provide sufficient relief, surgery becomes a necessary option to correct the underlying problem.
Preparation for ankle ligament repair surgery involves several important steps to ensure a successful outcome. Your surgeon will likely recommend:
During lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, you will be under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon will make a small incision on the outside of your ankle to access the damaged ligaments. The procedure may involve:
In some cases, additional procedures, such as arthroscopy, may be performed to address other issues within the ankle joint, such as removing scar tissue or repairing cartilage.
Recovery from ankle ligament repair surgery typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. The general timeline includes:
Before opting for surgery, your doctor might explore alternative treatments such as:
The primary benefit of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is the restoration of ankle stability. You should no longer feel like your ankle is giving out or have pain associated with an unstable ankle.
You should be able to return to your normal activities without the fear of recurrent injuries. The procedure also helps prevent the long-term complications associated with chronic instability, such as arthritis.
Like any surgery, ankle ligament surgery carries some risks. Complications can include the following:
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and take steps to minimize them during and after the procedure.
If you’re struggling with ankle instability and are considering surgical options, our experienced team at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center is ready to help. Specializing in advanced sports medicine techniques, we provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards a more active future!
Medically reviewed by Roberto A. Brandão, DPM
