Best Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Treatment & Diagnostics in Tardeo, Mumbai
Tendons and ligaments are dense connective tissues. They are responsible for stabilizing our musculoskeletal system and help in joint movements. Tendons are responsible for connecting a muscle to a bone and ligaments connect one bone to another.
What is tendon and ligament repair?
Tendon and ligament injuries are most common in athletes. One of the most common injuries during sports or exercises is ankle sprain, leading to ankle ligament injury. Such injuries are very painful and cause mobility loss. An ankle ligament injury may need an ankle ligament reconstruction.
Tendons and ligaments are made of collagen, dense and fibrous tissues. Any injury to these tissues can take a long time to recover.
In case a tendon or ligament injury is left unattended, it can lead to severe problems like osteoarthritis.
To seek treatment, you can search online for an orthopedic specialist near me or an orthopedic hospital near me.
Why is ankle ligament reconstruction needed?
In the case of ankle sprains, ligaments on the outside of the ankle could get torn or stretched. It could lead to swelling and severe pain. If non-surgical methods fail to treat this, one needs to undergo a surgery which is called ankle ligament reconstruction.
Ankle ligament reconstruction helps in relieving pain and restoring steadiness or stability.
When do you need to see a doctor?
You should visit an orthopedic doctor if you severely hurt your ankle. Your doctor may diagnose the issue through a physical exam and X-rays. He/she may treat you with non-surgical methods like bracing and physical therapy for at least six months. In case you do not respond well to these, surgery may be recommended. When surgery is opted for, your orthopedic surgeon may ask for a few more tests before an ankle ligament reconstruction surgery.
You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Tardeo, Mumbai.
Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.
How is the procedure conducted?
Ankle ligament reconstruction is also known as brostrom operation. The treatment procedure is generally conducted in the following manner:
- Local or general anesthesia is administered depending on the case. Most of the time, an ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is combined with an ankle arthroscopy surgery as well, depending upon the problem.
- Approximately a 5 cm long incision, usually C- or J-shaped, is made on the outer side of the ankle. The injured ankle ligament is then strengthened and tightened by stitches.
- Sometimes, metal anchors are used to repair and reconstruct the injured ligament.
- Your orthopedic surgeon may also replace tendons. The tendon to be used in this case, usually a hamstring or cadaver tendon, can be taken from the patient's own body through a separate process.
- Once the surgery is done, a half plaster at the ankle with bandage will be provided.
What are the risks?
These include:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Blood vessel damage
- Excessive bleeding
- Thrombosis (blood clots)
- Loss of sensation in the area of surgery
- Slower healing
- Recurring ankle instability
- Ankle stiffness
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
Conclusion
After the surgery, weights on the ankle and leg should be avoided completely. A walking boot and an athletic ankle brace can be used during the initial recovery period. As pain and swelling subside with time, physiotherapy can be done till complete recovery.
The non-surgical treatments for an ankle injury include physiotherapy, rehabilitation and bracing, as per an orthopedic doctor’s suggestion.
Ankle ligament reconstruction is usually an outpatient surgery, you may go home on the same day.
The complete recovery time ranges from 6 to 12 months. There will be slow progress every week and your doctor may allow certain activities during the healing period.