What is Ankle Ligament Reconstruction?

What you should know about Ankle Ligament Reconstruction:

Ankle ligament reconstruction, a one-hour outpatient procedure, repairs damaged or torn ankle ligaments and stabilizes the joint. Performed under general anesthesia, the surgery utilizes sutures or grafts for ligament reconstruction. Common causes include sports, physical activities, and obesity, with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and instability. If nonsurgical treatments prove ineffective, ankle ligament reconstruction may be advised.

Ankle ligament reconstruction is an outpatient procedure that repairs a damaged or torn ankle ligament and stabilizes the joint. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about one hour. Procedure steps include the following:

• Incision. An incision in the ankle is made near the damaged ligament
• Reconstruction. Sutures repair the ligament or a ligament graft reconstructs it. A graft may be made from the patient’s tendons or harvested from a cadaver.

Special suturing techniques are used to carefully close the incision. Sterile dressings are placed over it to ensure it heals. The ankle is placed in a custom-made comfortable splint. Immobilization occurs for 4-6 weeks and then have physical therapy in an effort to stretch and strengthen the ligament.

What Does Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Treat?

The ankle ligaments connect the ankle bones and stabilize the ankle. Sports, physical activities, and obesity can weaken, damage, and tear the ankle ligaments and cause the following symptoms:

• Ankle instability
• Decreased ankle function
• Pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness

When symptoms do not respond to nonsurgical treatment options like medications, immobilization, and physical therapy, ankle ligament reconstruction may be recommended.