HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Torn Ligament In The Ankles

default
Posted on Tue, 15 Nov 2016
Question: i had surgery, modified brostrom procedure, done in oct 2014 of my atfl and cfl in left ankle. re injured by walking on uneven grassy surface in may of 2016. took till this month, after PT 12 visits and only getting more unstable to get the (report attached )mri w contrast. same surgeon just wants to do thee same procedure again, and hasnt addressed the high ankle problems, only saying "oh those usually heal on their own.".
is that true even with the lower ankle instability? i have a lot of pain in the front of ankle, shins, and occasionally even lower knee/top of shin.
im scheduled for surgery nov 4th, so dont have time to get a 2nd opinion in person, so im just looking for peace of mind. i know not to have a surgery im not feeling right about, yet at same time its causing me to miss work (im a caregiver in an adult family home-on feet all day), and it seems to be getting more painful and unstable by the minute these days. i need it fixed.
i guess my question is, should my surgeon be fixing the high ankle as well? im wondering if the high ankle wasnt involved last time and thats why it rolled and tore so easily this time by simply walking across a lawn.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Lower ankle ligament repair is needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I have seen the attached report. The torn ligaments that you have in the lower ankle need to be fixed. The pain in the shin and below the knee joint are due to the stress of muscles and spasm caused by the torn ligaments.
Surgical fixation and repair are the only treatment to regain the stability of the joint. Once the joint is stabilized, regular physiotherapy will help in strengthening of the muscles and will help in pain improvement.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 minutes later)
i know i need the lower ankle surgery, i meant to ask if any high ankle fixes were required as well? my surgeon refuses to even explain...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Higher ankle is a muscular problem.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The high ankle fixes are not required as it seems to be due to muscle cramps and poor posture. The lower ankle surgery will help in removing the instability of the joint.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 minutes later)
so i dont need to think about the likely AITFL disruption and apparrent syndemosis injury?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It will heal on its own.

Detailed Answer:
AITFL disruption and syndesmosis injury are minor problems and do not need a surgical intervention. It will heal on its own conservatively.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
ok last follow up question so please over explain. what exactly do u mean by surgical fixation? is that a modified brostrom procedure? what can i expect as far as recovery and getting back to work?i make $14 an hour with no other way of supporting myself, i can deal, i just need as much honest forwarning as possible in order to do so.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Ligament repair will be done.

Detailed Answer:
Surgical fixation means repair of the injured ligaments. The procedure taken for fixation will best be decided by your surgeon on seeing all the detailed slides of MRI scan. It is likely to be a modified Brostorm procedure. The recovery can take 4-6 weeks and proper physiotherapy will be needed after that to regain the full muscle strength and proper posture. It is preferable if you bear a minimal weight on the foot till proper healing.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Torn Ligament In The Ankles

Brief Answer: Lower ankle ligament repair is needed. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. I have seen the attached report. The torn ligaments that you have in the lower ankle need to be fixed. The pain in the shin and below the knee joint are due to the stress of muscles and spasm caused by the torn ligaments. Surgical fixation and repair are the only treatment to regain the stability of the joint. Once the joint is stabilized, regular physiotherapy will help in strengthening of the muscles and will help in pain improvement. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal