Lateral Ankle Repair

What is Lateral Ankle Instability?

Chronic ankle instability is the result of repeated mild to moderate ankle sprains or may be the result of one severe ankle sprain. The ankle may feel weak, may repeatedly sprain or "give way". The lateral (outside) ankle ligaments are more prone to injury than the medial (inside) ligaments, which are much stronger. Approximately 10-20 percent of people that have an ankle sprain will develop chronic lateral ankle instability.

Surgical Correction

The aim of surgery is to restore normal stability to the ankle. This will resolve the pain associated with an unstable ankle and the feeling of the ankle "giving way". Surgery may be advised if non-surgical treatment options do not relieve the instability, discomfort and problems in the ankle. Generally, six months of non-surgical treatment is recommended before proceeding with surgery.

Surgical Procedure

The most commonly performed technique involves:

• Making an incision over the outside of the ankle

• Identifying and tightening ankle ligaments using stitches or anchors

• Placing anchors into one of the ankle bones

• Stitching additional tissue over the repaired ligaments for strength

Recovery Process

• Cast or splint required for minimum two weeks post-surgery

• Gradual weight bearing increase using removable walking boot

• Complete weight bearing may take up to six weeks

• Most patients can resume previous activities within 2-3 months

Return to Activities

Work

• Office jobs with elevated foot: possible return after one week

• Heavy manual jobs: may require up to three months off

• Driving requirements may affect return time

Driving

• Automatic car: approximately 3 weeks after surgery

• Manual car: approximately 6 weeks after surgery

• Must be able to perform emergency stop safely

Exercise

• Begin gentle exercise once in normal footwear

• Progress to gentle running and stretching as comfort allows

• Impact sports can resume as comfort permits

Potential Complications

While ankle ligament repair surgery is very effective for most patients, possible complications include:

• Infection (despite preventive antibiotics)

• Nerve injury (affecting up to 20 percent of cases)

• Wound healing difficulties (rare, mainly affecting diabetics and smokers)