Orthopaedic Surgeon Questions Orthopedist

How do you fix torn ankle ligament?

I was diagnosed with torn ankle ligament. How do you fix torn ankle ligament?

12 Answers

There are multiple ways to repair torn ankle ligaments. Sometimes the ligament itself can be repaired. Sometimes a tendon in the ankle needs to re-routed. It depends on how bad the ligament is torn and how long the ligament was torn. I recommend asking your surgeon what the planned procedure will be and what the recovery time will be.
With survey
Anchor the bone and reattach
Hi ! I would speak with your podiatrist or orthopedist about your particular situation, but in general conservatively with a boot and then ankle brace or surgical repair pending the severity. After either treatment I usually recommend physical therapy.
Atlas technique which augments traditional
Repair technique described. I have published multiple articles on the technique in the orthopedic literature.

Google Rushing AND atlas and it will come up
The answer is it depends on the reason for the ligament injured, extend of injury, and treatment thus far. THe worst it is the longer the treatment. the more extensive the injury, the more treatment is needed. etc...please address this with your doctor.
The acute ankle sprain is the most common injury in sports. It is estimated that approximately 30% of individuals will develop chronic ankle instability after the first initial lateral ankle sprain. Simple ankle sprains are not as innocuous as many believe, with high rates of prolonged symptoms, decreased physical activity, recurrent injury, and self-reported disability. Routine non-operative treatment is successful in more than 90% of individuals. Surgery is reserved for those who fail bracing, proprioceptive training, and kinetic chain strengthening.

The hallmarks of chronic ankle instability include repeated ankle sprains that have led to an altered patient activity level. Important factors include injuries sustained, frequency of events, localization of pain, and prior treatment modalities. The degree of disability appreciated by the patient is one of the most important factors and can be significant in both high and low-demand individuals.

The cornerstone of conservative treatment is physical therapy. Adequate rehabilitation with a focus to correct proprioceptive, strength, and motion deficits can provide sufficient reduction in symptoms to avoid surgical intervention. While the ankle is painful, an ankle support is helpful. Ankle and foot orthoses can also help prevent recurrence, including an ankle-foot orthosis,stiff-soled shoes, or lateral heel wedges.

On initial presentation, a trial of physical therapy is warranted if no previous attempt had been initiated. Prior to initiation of conservative treatment, an MRI evaluation is recommended to rule out associated pathology, including peroneal tendon tear and osteochondral lesions of the talus, when associated tenderness warrants it.

A subgroup of patients will continue to have dysfunction even after a well designed non-operative treatment program. Clinical signs and symptoms are most critical for making the diagnosis. Radiographic criteria include an anterior drawer greater than 10 mm (or 3 mm side differential) and a talar tilt test greater than 15 degrees (or >10 degree side differential).

Numerous procedures to address chronic ankle instability are described in the literature, ranging from ligament repair to various tendon reconstructions. Reported success rates are greater than 80% no matter which technique has been used. However, simple imbrication of the lateral ligament complex with incorporation of the extensor retinaculum has been shown to have an 85% to 95% success rate with a low risk on nerve injury. The sural nerve is at greatest risk of injury and rates of nerve injury range from 7% to 19%. Concomitant pathology that may contribute to recurrence should be addressed at the same time. Patients with generalized ligamentous laxity in attenuated ligaments or varus alignment are at risk for failure.

Ankle arthroscopy is often performed in conjunction with lateral ligament reconstruction because of the high incidence of chondral injury present in the chronically injured ankle, plus routine diagnostic tests may miss intra-articular pathology. Indications for arthroscopy have not been well-defined, but indications of concomitant pathology should be present.

Our surgeons are trained in the latest and most advanced techniques, including Internal Brace Ankle Ligament Reconstruction and Nanoscope of the Ankle Joint.

http://www.southfloridasportsmedicine.com/chronic-instability.html

It depends on the type of tear and location. Some require periods of immobilization followed by physical therapy some require surgery.
You can try physical therapy. Also there are sclerosing injections/prolotherapy. But a lot of times, you may need a surgical repair of the ligaments to stabilize the ankle joint
Typically surgically with direct reality using sutures to repair the attachment of the fibula on the talus. You can also use PRP to stimulate healing potential.
If it is truly torn, the options will include surgery. I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist (Podiatrist) for evaluation and treatment options.
Depending on your age, health and general activity, there are different treatment options to increase the chance of a positive outcome. They can be either managed conservatively or surgically.