Tell me more lateral ankle ligament reconstruction

The operation we carry out involves an incision on the outer side of your ankle over the injured lateral ligament. The ligament is exposed and divided into 2 leaves. The two edges of the ligament are then double breasted and stitched together to tighten the tissue. Depending on the nature of the ligament tear, either a direct edge-to-edge suturing technique or bone anchor sutures are used to repair the ligament. The repaired ligament is re-enforced with a further sleeve of ‘spare’ tissue.

 

What other techniques might be used?

Other techniques involve using slips of tendon tissue as a ‘check rein’ to replace the injured lateral ligaments. Special implants (bio-absorbable screws) are used to hold these in place whilst it bonds to the bone. Open lateral ligament reconstruction is sometimes done in conjunction with an arthroscopy, to inspect the condition of the cartilage and soft tissue of the ankle. Any cartilage lesions (osteochondral lesions) or inflammation at the front of the ankle (synovitis and impingement) can be treated at the same time.

 

What are the potential complications?

In some cases following arthroscopy, there may be significant soft tissue swelling around the ankle which could compromise healing of an open procedure. In these cases ligament reconstruction may need to be staged with a second operation needed at a later date.

 

I am concerned about...

• flat feet

• ankle arthritis and its treatment

• toe surgery

• treatment of an in-growing toenail

• getting treatment for bunions

• stiffness in the first joint at the base of the big toe

• a tendon tear in my foot

• nerve pain between my toes

• pain in my calf

• the treatment of a complicated fracture

Tell me more about...

• posterior ankle arthroscopy

• manipulation under anaesthetic and injection under X-ray guidance

• lateral ankle ligament reconstruction