Ankle Ligament Reconstruction is a surgery to tighten or firm up the ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It is usually done as an outpatient surgery under general anaesthesia, which means you can go home on the same day.
Your ankle consists of ligaments and tendons that hold it together with the bone. When you turn or awkwardly twist your ankle, this causes the ligaments to stretch and tear causing an ankle sprain. When the ankle sprain is not treated properly, it may cause repeated sprains which loosen the ligaments more causing.
Using ultrasound and MRI, doctors have a look at the soft tissues in the foot and ankle. Based on their observation they will assign a particular grade to your injury. Grade 1 is microscopic tears to Grade 3 which is complete ligament tear.
Before suggesting surgery, doctors prescribe many non-surgical options such as modifying daily activities, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, ankle wrapping, casting, corticosteroid injection, icing the area, physical therapy, etc. When all else fails they will prescribe lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.
Your doctor might first perform arthroscopy where they make a small incision and insert a tiny camera to view the damaged tissues. Then perform one of two surgeries, Brostrom-Gould technique and Tendon Transfer. In the Brostrom-Gould technique, the doctor tightens or adjusts the ligaments with sutures to set them right. In the latter technique, the doctor replaces the weakened ligament with a tendon from another part of the body or a donor. Usual recovery time varies from 6-12 months.