|
Ankle ligament tear / injuries - Arthroscopic ankle ligament surgery
|
|
Ankle ligament tears are very common. They result from a severe sprained ankle. Clues that the ligaments may be torn will be presence of severe bruising and inability to put weight on the foot.
|
|
Majority of ankle ligament tears can be treated without surgery. However, in active individuals or those with persistent looseness or pain of the ankle after injury, surgery will be needed.
|
|
Traditional surgery is know as the Brostrom Gould Procedure. In this procedure, the torn or loose ligaments are tightened and a neighbouring layer of strong connective tissue is pulled over to re-enforce the repair. This is done through an open incision (cut) in the side of the ankle.
|
|
Currently, this procedure can be performed via arthroscopic (keyhole ) surgery. Two keyholes are made over the ankle and a camera and sutures may be inserted through them to perform the ligament surgery. The patient does not need to use a cast after surgery. One is allowed to fully walk on the operated ankle after 3 to 5 days.
|
|
|
Above left, one can see the remnant bit of torn ligament that is attached to the fibula. Below right is the final outcome where the ligament has been re-attached and the gap is eliminated.
|
