Ankle Stabilisation

What is an Ankle Stabilisation?

An ankle stabilisation (also know as an ankle reconstruction) is an operation that tightens stretched ankle ligaments. These are usually the ligaments on the outside of the ankle joint. When the ligaments become torn or stretched the ankle may become unstable.

A stabilisation operation often involves dividing the stretched ligament. The divided ligament is then re-attached to bone with stitches attached to small screws. This shortens and tightens the ligament. The divided ligament is also double breasted for extra strength.

The ligaments on the outside of the ankle (arrowed) can be stretched with ankle sprains. This leads to a feeling of ankle instability.

Who Benefits from an Ankle Stabilisation?

Patients with:

Recurrent ankle sprains (rolling the ankle)
Failed with non-operative treatment
Investigations showing ankle instability (usually special stress x-rays)
An ankle stabilisation is most suitable for those who have stopped growing. Have generally lax ligaments (being "double jointed") can reduce the success of the operation.

What is Involved for the Patient?

Usually one night in hospital
A general anaesthetic (you are put off to sleep)
The operation takes 45 - 60 minutes
Normally one small 3cm incision
Normally, a patient is partial weight bearing after surgery
Crutches for three to six weeks

The ligaments have been cut off the bone, tightened and reattached with small screws that have sutures (stitches) on the end (circled). This restores the stretched ligaments to their normal length.

What Is The Recovery Period?

It takes three months for the reconstructed ligaments to regain strength. The first two weeks are in a plaster followed by two to four weeks in a moon boot (a removable ankle immobiliser). At the six week mark an ankle support is worn for a further six weeks. It can take six to twelve months for all the symptoms to resolve.

What Is The Success Rate Of An Ankle Stabilisation?

Ankle stabilisation surgery is successful in restoring stability in 85% of patients. Success depends on a diligent post surgical rehabilitation program with physiotherapy.

What Are The Risks Of An Ankle Stabilisation?

All operations carry some risk. Ankle stabilisation has a very low complication rate.

Risks common to all operations include:

Infection
Blood clots in the legs
Bleeding
Damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels

Risks particular to ankle stabilisation include:

Failure to stabilise the ankle
Ankle stiffness
Numbness on the side of the foot

Why Have Julian Perform Your Ankle Stabilisation?

Ankle stabilisation surgery is a common ankle operation and is one of Julian's most common ankle surgeries. Julian will ensure that you are seen and monitored regularly in the post operative period. He will co-ordinate your rehabilitation and splint requirements to optimise your chance of a successful outcome.

I Think I May Benefit From Ankle Stabilisation

If you think you may need an ankle stabilisation please arrange a consultation with Julian Stoddart. You will receive a comprehensive assessment of your ankle to determine if this operation is right for you.

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