Ankle Repair

What is lateral ankle ligament reconstruction?

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It’s also known as the Brostrom procedure. It’s most often done as an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day.

Your ankle is a hinge joint that allows motion up and down, and from side to side. Your foot and ankle have several ligaments. These are strong band-like structures that keep the bones in your ankle and feet tightly connected. On the outer side of your foot, you have several ligaments. These include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). These help keep your ankle and foot steady when you walk.

If you have had repeated ankle sprains or if you have certain foot deformities, your ligaments can start to get weak and loose. If this happens, your ankle may become unstable.

During lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, the surgeon makes a small cut on the outside of your ankle. This is done while you are under general anesthesia. Then your surgeon tightens one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your foot.

Why might I need a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction?

You might need this surgery if one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your ankle has loosened or stretched. This leads to a condition called chronic ankle instability. It can cause chronic pain, repeated ankle sprains, and an ankle that often gives way when you walk or perform activities.

At first, an ankle sprain may stretch and partially tear your ankle ligaments. This first sprain makes it more likely that you will sprain your ankle again. This is more likely if you did not have the first sprain treated properly. More sprains may loosen your ligaments even more.

Certain mechanical problems with your foot can make you more likely to develop an unstable ankle, such as:

• Hindfoot varus

• Plantar flexion of the first ray

• Midfoot cavus (high arches)

• General looseness of your ligaments—for example, from a medical condition like Ehlers-Danlos

You may have already been treated with physical therapy and special foot inserts. A healthcare provider may advise surgery if other treatments for your ankle haven’t worked. It’s not common to need this surgery right after a first ankle sprain.

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What happens during a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction?

There are a number of methods used for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. Ask your healthcare provider about the details of your surgery. An orthopedic foot surgeon will perform your surgery. The surgery may take 2 or more hours. You can expect the following:

• You will probably receive general anesthesia to make you sleep through the procedure or regional anesthesia to numb the involved leg.

• During the surgery, your vital signs, like your heart rate and blood pressure, will be watched carefully.

• After cleaning the affected area, your surgeon will make a cut through the skin and muscle of your ankle.

• If your surgery is minimally invasive, your surgeon will cut a small incision. He or she will put small instruments and a camera through the incision to perform your surgery.

• Your surgeon may remove your ATFL and your CFL ankle ligaments from where they attach on your fibula.

• He or she may make these ligaments shorter.

• Your surgeon may then reattach these ligaments to your fibula by using small new holes drilled into your bone.

• Your surgeon may make other repairs, if necessary.

• The layers of skin and muscle around your ankle will be surgically closed.

What happens after a lateral ankle ligament reconstruction?

Someone will watch you for a few hours after your surgery. When you wake up, you will likely find your ankle in a splint. Often, lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is an outpatient procedure. This means you can go home the same day. You should have someone drive you home.

You will have some pain for a while after your surgery, especially for the first few days. Pain medicines may help to relieve your pain. Carefully follow all instructions about medicines and wound care. Keeping your leg elevated may help reduce swelling and pain, too. You’ll probably need to use crutches and keep weight off your ankle for at least a few weeks. Make sure to tell your surgeon right away if you have high fever, chills, or increasing pain from your ankle.

You will need to return in about 10 days after your surgery to have your stitches or staples removed. Your surgeon might also replace your splint with a boot or cast at this time. In a few weeks, your healthcare provider will likely replace this cast with a removable brace. You’ll need to use this brace for several months.

Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions about how to strengthen your ankle and leg muscles as you recover. You may benefit from physical therapy as well. This will help make sure that your surgery will be a success.