What kind of ankle injury requires surgery?

Talus fractures are breaks that involve the talus bone of the ankle and often result in a substantial loss of motion and function. Because talus fractures, which typically occur after car accidents or high-velocity falls, can cause serious problems if they don't heal properly, they usually require surgical repair.

When do ankle injuries require surgery?

Ankle sprains range from mild to severe and in most cases do not require surgery. Sprains of the midfoot — called a Lisfranc injury — can often be treated successfully with non-surgical techniques as well. But in more serious cases, ligament repair surgery may be recommended.

How do you know if you need ankle ligament surgery?

You might need ankle ligament reconstruction surgery if you are suffering from an ankle sprain or instability. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include: Bruising, pain and swelling are typical, but it may still be possible to put a certain amount of weight on your foot. A feeling that your ankle is 'catching' or locking.

What is the most common ankle surgery?

The modified Brostrom procedure is the most common surgical procedure used for ankle reconstruction, primarily to repair the anterior talofibular ligament. This procedure tightens the lateral ankle ligaments, usually by detaching the ligaments on the fibula and reattaching them in a tighter position on the bone.

Is surgery required for a Grade 3 ankle sprain?

A Grade 3 sprain can be associated with permanent instability. Surgery is rarely needed. A short leg cast or a cast-brace may be used for two weeks to three weeks. Rehabilitation is used to help to decrease pain and swelling and to prevent chronic ankle problems.

When would you need ankle ligament surgery?

Does Grade 2 ankle sprain require surgery?

A grade 2 sprained ankle will result in significant swelling and bruising. It is possible, though not as likely, to need surgery for a grade 2 sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain. It can take well over a month to fully heal from a grade 2 sprain.

Do you need surgery for a torn ligament in ankle?

Healthcare professionals are quick to recommend surgery as soon as they have diagnosed an ankle ligament rupture. The only patients that need surgery are patients that have completely torn their ankle ligament and it is retracted as well. There are no other methods besides surgery to repair this type of injury.

Is ankle surgery serious?

Ankle replacement surgery is very successful in most cases, but it does have some risks. These include: Infection. Damage to nearby nerves.

How do I know if I need foot surgery?

When Non-Operative Methods Have Failed. Regardless of the specific foot injury, deformity, or disease you're dealing with, if you're not finding pain relief in the methods that you're using, you should consider surgery.

Can you walk with a torn ligament in your ankle?

Can You Walk with a Torn Ligament in Your Ankle? Yes, you can usually walk with a torn ligament thanks to the other ligaments and supporting structures, but you may feel a lot of pain and a sensation of weakness and instability as you walk.

What happens if a torn ligament in ankle goes untreated?

This is especially true in sprains that were not treated. If they're left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis.

What happens if you don't fix torn ligaments?

Without surgery, the joint remains unstable, painful, and requires continuous care to restore some range of motion. Athletes, in particular, should consider surgery to speed up the recovery process. Surgery may also work with lesser injuries, like a grade 2 tear.

Does a Grade 1 sprain require surgery?

A grade 1 ACL sprain occurs when your ACL is overstretched, but not torn. If your knee is still stable, you likely have a grade 1 injury and may not need surgery. A grade 2 ACL sprain is a partial tear. If you have a grade two sprain, your ligament is damaged and you'll likely experiences some instability.

Can a grade 3 ligament tear heal on its own?

Can an MCL tear heal on its own? A grade 1 MCL tear (minor tear) can usually heal on its own with rest within one to three weeks. Grade 2 and grade 3 MCL tears, which are more severe, need proper treatment in order to heal, which can include resting, wearing a knee brace and doing physical therapy.

Why would I need surgery on my ankle?

Surgery on an ankle may be needed to treat fracture (broken bone), arthritis, tendonitis and problems that can't be resolved with therapy and medications. Surgery for an ankle fracture is done if the bones in the ankle are unstable and need more support to heal.

What type of foot injuries require surgery?

How long do you stay in hospital after ankle surgery?

If you are outpatient, you will go home on the same day after becoming fully awake in a recovery room after surgery. The amount of time from surgery to being fully awake is typically between three and six hours.

How many hours does ankle surgery take?

On average, most foot and ankle surgery takes an hour to perform. Complex trauma or reconstructive surgery for severe deformities may take 3-4 hours.

Do you get a cast after ankle surgery?

Most commonly, after foot and ankle surgery, your extremity will be immobilized in either a cast or a splint. This device will be left on until your first postoperative appointment in 10-14 days.

Is ankle surgery painful?

Another report by McGrath et al.,¹³ evaluated 5,703 patients postoperatively and found that orthopaedic surgery procedures were among the most painful in ambulatory surgery. In fact, two of the seven most painful procedures were ankle and knee operations.

When should I get an MRI on my ankle?

The doctor may order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan if he or she suspects a very severe injury to the ligaments, injury to the joint surface, a small bone chip or other problem. The MRI can make sure the diagnosis is correct. The MRI may be ordered after the period of swelling and bruising resolves.

How do I know if I have a grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament. You may have heard a popping sound when it happened. This level of sprain causes severe pain, swelling and bruising. Because the ligament is no longer able to do its job, your ankle will feel unstable and will be unable to support any of your weight.

How long does a grade 3 ankle sprain take to heal?

Third degree or grade 3 ankle sprain

A third degree sprain is a complete tear, which Sampsell says will take much longer to heal. This sprain will require some patience since you can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 months for recovery.

What is a grade 2 ligament tear?

There may have been a feeling of "popping". Grade 2 (moderate) This involves a partial rupture of the ligament, moderate bleeding, more severe pain and swelling, and inability to walk on the limb. Grade 3 (severe) A complete tear of the ligament resulting in severe pain, extensive bleeding, and swelling.

Can you walk Grade 2 ankle sprain?

The ankle feels stable and it is usually possible to walk with minimal pain. Grade 2: A more severe sprain, but incomplete tear with moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Although it feels somewhat stable, the damaged areas are tender to the touch and walking is painful.