Best Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai
Ankle sprain – one of the most common orthopedic injuries – affects over 10,000 people in a day. When the ligaments surrounding the ankle are torn or stretched, it can lead to intense pain and instability. If the symptoms don’t dissipate after a few days of non-surgical treatment, you may require surgery. The goal of ankle ligament surgery is to restore the stability of the ankle. It will also help cure the pain associated with an unstable ankle.
What Is Ankle Ligament Reconstruction?
Ankle ligament reconstruction is a type of surgery used to tighten up the ligament joints surrounding the ankle. Also known as the Brostrom procedure, it is mainly performed as an outpatient surgery.
The ankle is a hinge joint, which allows both side-to-side as well as up and down motion. The ankle and foot comprise several ligaments, which are band-like structures that keep the bones tightly connected.
In case of repeated ankle sprains or some foot deformities, the ligaments can start becoming loose and weak. In that case, the ankle also becomes unstable. In ankle ligament reconstruction surgery, the surgeon tightens up the ligaments in the foot.
Who Qualifies for Ankle Ligament Reconstruction?
Anyone who has experienced stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle might need surgery. Repeated sprains can result in a condition known as chronic ankle instability. It can lead to chronic pain, repeated sprains in the ankle, and a weak ankle that gives way while performing activities, running, or walking.
Besides this, some mechanical problems with the foot may also require ankle ligament reconstruction, such as:
- Hindfoot varus
- Midfoot cavus (high arches)
- Plantar flexion of the first ray
- General looseness of ligaments from Ehlers-Danlos
If you are in search of an excellent orthopedic hospital in Mumbai, get in touch with us.
You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.
Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.
Why Is Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Performed?
Ankle ligament reconstruction is performed on patients suffering from repeated ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability. It is helpful for:
- Repairing torn ligaments
- Improving overall stability of the ankle joint
- Tightening loosened ligaments
Types of Ankle Ligament Surgeries
If you look for a good orthopedic doctor near you, you will find surgeons that perform minimally invasive procedures to repair torn and loose ligaments due to injury. Some common types of ankle ligament surgeries include:
- Arthroscopy
This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon checks the structure inside the joint by inserting a tiny camera through a small incision. Examining in this manner enables them to determine the extent of the damage and repair it using tiny instruments. - Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Ankle ligament reconstruction is performed using two different techniques: Tendon transfer and Brostrom-Gould Technique. Both of these are minimally invasive surgeries. The Brostrom-Gould procedure involves tightening the ligaments using sutures. On the other hand, loose ligaments are replaced with tendons from other parts of the body in the tendon transfer procedure. These are held in place using hardware like pins and screws, and sutures.
Benefits of Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
After the ankle ligament reconstruction, most patients can return to a healthy level of sports and activity within 4-6 months. The condition continues to improve for over a year. In 95 percent of the cases, this surgery is highly successful – although you may experience mild swelling in the ankle for up to a year.
Risks of Ankle Ligament Reconstruction
Just like any other surgery, this surgery carries certain risks as well. These include:
- Excess bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clot
- Nerve damage
- Stiffness in the ankle joint
- No improvement in ankle stability
- Complications from anesthesia
The risk for complications largely depends on the age, anatomy of the foot, and the patient’s overall health.
Once the cast is removed, avoid pulling at the scabs and let them heal naturally. If the wound turns sore, swollen, or red, get in touch with your doctor to check for infections.
In most cases, re-tearing can occur but only after repeated injury. However, the repaired ligament may stretch out with time. According to long-term studies, most patients have experienced excellent or good outcomes.
The outcome of the surgery depends on the severity of the injury. Results may also vary from case to case. Persistent instability after the surgery can also improve with a brace and physical therapy. In severe cases, additional surgeries or ankle fusion may be suggested.