When is surgery needed for ankle sprain?

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 surgery for a sprained ankle?

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.

What ankle injuries require surgery?

What percentage of ankle sprains need surgery?

It is common to require surgery in 5 to 10 percent of ankle sprains treated with appropriate conservative care. The surgeries may include ligament repair, tendon repair or osteochondral lesion treatment.

Do all grade 3 ankle sprains need 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.

How do you know if surgery is Necessary for a Sprained Ankle? MRI is key | Ankle Sprain

Is a grade 3 sprain worse than a break?

A fracture is an injury to a bone when the tissue of the bone is broken. Many fractures will as strong as it was originally therefore, higher grade sprains can be worse than a fracture.

Do grade 3 ligament tears need surgery?

A grade 3 ACL sprain is a complete tear. A complete ACL tear is extremely damaging to the knee and almost always requires surgery, plus a long recovery period. If you've suffered a grade 3 ACL sprain, you likely experienced severe pain and instability in the knee.

What is a grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3: This is a complete tear of the affected ligament(s) with severe swelling and bruising. The ankle is unstable and walking is likely not possible because the ankle gives out and there is intense pain.

Can you walk grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3 sprain

You experience severe swelling and bruising. The joint probably isn't functional because it's too unstable, and movement creates intense pain. If you have a grade 3 sprain in the ankle, for example, walking usually isn't possible.

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.

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.

How do I know if I have a torn ligament in my ankle?

If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include: Swelling around your ankle joint. A feeling of instability. Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot.

Do torn ligaments require surgery?

A fully torn ligament, or grade 3 tear, can cause chronic pain and joint instability. Complete tears rarely heal naturally. Since there's a disconnect between the tissue and any chance of blood supply, surgery is needed. Surgery also helps the joint heal correctly and reduces the chances of re-injury.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is severe?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs.

How do I know what grade my sprain is?

What is a Level 2 ankle sprain?

A Grade 2 sprain is considered to be moderate and is characterized by some, but not all, of the ligament fibers being torn. The affected ankle and foot are often painful and moderately bruised or swollen, but the stability of the ankle joint is generally not affected.

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.

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.

Is ankle ligament surgery successful?

In 95% of people, ligament reconstructions are extremely successful, although you may have mild swelling in your ankle for up to a year after the procedure.

What hurts more a sprain or a fracture?

Sprains. Sprains can be extremely painful, and are easy to confuse as a break. Many times, they are more painful than a fracture, which has been confirmed by science.

Which is worse sprained ankle or fracture?

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.

How long do you wear a boot for a sprained ankle?

Your doctor might give you a cast, boot, or brace to wear. This will keep the ligaments and joint in place while they heal. It limits motion, provides protection, and helps reduce pain. You may need to wear it for 2 to 6 weeks.

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.

Can a completely torn ankle ligament heal without surgery?

Even a complete ligament tear may heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately. Treatment may involve physical therapy, medication, crutches, and immobilization devices such as a cast, boot, or air brace.

Can torn ankle ligaments heal without surgery?

Nearly all isolated low ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear (Grade 3) will heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized and rehabilitated appropriately.