When do you need ankle surgery?

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

ankle fracture

A broken ankle, or ankle fracture, is one of the most common causes of ankle pain. An ankle fracture happens when you break one or more bones in your ankle joint. Your ankle joint consists of your tibia, your fibula and your talus. Your tibia is the big bone in your lower leg and is sometimes called your shinbone.

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Broken Ankle (Ankle Fractures): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

is done if the bones in the ankle are unstable and need more support to heal.

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.

Does Grade 3 ankle sprain require surgery?

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.

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.

Do torn ligaments in ankle 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.

Foot and Ankle Surgery - When Do You Need Surgery?

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.

How do you know if your sprained ankle needs surgery?

You may hear or experience a popping sound when the injury occurs. There will be immediate, sometimes massive swelling and bruising. It will be difficult or impossible to walk and the joint is very unstable. Surgery is almost always required to repair the torn ligament.

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.

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.

How do I know if I have damaged my ankle ligaments?

Is a grade 3 sprain worse than a break?

A broken ankle is a more severe injury than a sprained ankle. With a clean break that doesn't need surgery, recovery can take around 6 to 8 weeks. If you need surgery, recovery will take longer. With a minor ankle sprain, it may take around 2 weeks to heal.

Can you fully recover from a grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 2 ankle sprains involve greater injury to the ligament and can take up 4-6 weeks to allow full return to sport. Grade 3 injuries are more severe in nature and often involve full tearing of the ligament and possible bone fracture. The length of time to recover from grade 3 ankle sprains could be 3 months or more.

Do I have a grade 2 or 3 ankle sprain?

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. Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising.

What is 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.

What happens if I don't get ankle surgery?

An untreated strain may affect your ability to stand and walk later, and it can increase your risk for future strains. Untreated sprains can lead to a chronically unstable ankle joint. This condition increases your chances of developing conditions, such as: Degenerative changes in your ankle joint.

Is ankle surgery considered major surgery?

Minor Ankle Procedures + Standard Protocol

These ankle surgeries are considered more minor and have the advantage that most patients can walk much sooner. Because we find that our patients are careful during the recovery time, we allow our patients to put full weight on their ankle after their first post-op visit.

Is ankle surgery serious?

All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots. Potential long-term problems after ankle fracture surgery include ankle joint stiffness, weakness, and arthritis.

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 can you tell how severe your ankle sprain is?

Will xray show torn ligament in ankle?

X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your ankle?

The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk. For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.

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 my foot injury is serious?

Can you hear a pop with a Grade 2 ankle sprain?

A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers. When a sprain occurs, you may fall or be unable to stand on that foot. You may even hear a “pop.” Pain and swelling will occur.

What is the popping noise when you sprain your ankle?

Sprains can range from mild to severe and are usually caused by overstretching beyond one's normal range of motion. A “popping” sound is very common to hear at the moment when you sprains your ankle. A “cracking” noise means it's most likely a fractured bone.