Why Your Ankle Keeps Rolling
The majority of ankle sprain injuries occur following a twisting (inversion) injury, where the ankle turns inwards and the body goes over the ankle joint. This results in injury to the outer (lateral) ankle ligaments — the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
Chronic ankle symptoms following a sprain often include pain, instability (the feeling that the ankle is going to “roll over”), and persistent swelling. When these symptoms persist despite conservative management, surgery is considered.
Ankle Stabilisation Surgery
Using modern techniques, ankle stabilisation surgery is performed as a day procedure. There are typically two components to the operation:
- Ligament stabilisation — direct repair of the stretched or torn lateral ligaments
- Keyhole ankle arthroscopy — assessment and treatment of any associated damage inside the joint
Ligament Repair — What Dr Smith Does
A small incision is made directly over the torn ligaments of the lateral (outer) ankle. The stretched or torn ligaments are reflected off the lower end of the fibula and repaired with appropriate tension to restore function. Any loose fragments of bone are removed at the same time.
The peroneal tendons (behind the fibula) are also inspected through the same incision for inflammation or tears, which are addressed if required. With modern surgical and anaesthetic techniques, this is now routinely performed as a day procedure.
Rehabilitation Is Essential
Following your procedure, a structured physiotherapy program commences:
- Immediately: weight-bearing in a specialised boot; crutches may help for the first 1–2 days
- First week: keep the leg elevated to reduce swelling
- Weeks 1–4: ankle and hindfoot range of motion, calf strengthening, peroneal muscle strengthening
- Weeks 4–8: progressive strengthening and proprioceptive (balance) training
- After 8 weeks: sport-specific exercises commence under physiotherapy supervision