Lateral ligament stabilisation surgery is used to treat selected cases of ankle instability when the ankle repeatedly gives way and symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. He assesses and treats ankle instability in Sussex, including patients who may be suitable for keyhole lateral ligament stabilisation surgery.
The lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle are commonly injured during sport, but they can also be damaged during everyday activity. In some patients, the ligaments do not recover normal stability, leading to repeated sprains, pain, swelling or a sense that the ankle cannot be trusted.
An unstable ankle can be painful and may also feel unsafe if it repeatedly gives way while walking, exercising or changing direction.
There are several possible causes of ankle pain and instability, so assessment is important before treatment is planned. Clinical examination helps determine whether ligament injury is the main problem and whether there are other associated issues within the ankle.
An MRI scan is often helpful to confirm the nature of the injury and to look for associated problems such as cartilage injury, tendon pathology or scar tissue within the ankle.
Most ankle instability can be treated without surgery. Non-surgical treatment may include physiotherapy, strengthening work, proprioception training, bracing and activity modification.
Surgery may be considered when the ankle remains unstable despite appropriate rehabilitation, particularly if there are recurrent sprains, persistent giving way, or ongoing limitation with sport and day-to-day activity.
Mr Edward Dawe now offers keyhole lateral ligament stabilisation surgery for selected patients with unstable ankles. In appropriate cases, this may allow treatment through smaller incisions than traditional open surgery.
In some cases, an Internal Brace technique may be used as part of the repair. This is a strong form of augmentation used in selected cases of ankle ligament instability. Whether it is appropriate depends on the nature of the ligament injury, tissue quality and the wider condition of the ankle.
Recovery depends on the nature of the injury and the procedure performed. In suitable cases, recovery is usually full weight-bearing on the day of surgery in a boot, with the boot worn for six weeks.
Return to activity then progresses gradually depending on healing, ankle control and rehabilitation. How quickly recovery takes place varies between patients and depends on the exact pattern of injury and any associated procedures carried out at the same time.
The aim of lateral ligament stabilisation surgery is to improve ankle stability, reduce episodes of giving way, and support a safer return to walking, exercise and sport. The precise technique depends on the pattern of instability and whether there are associated findings within the ankle.
No. Many cases of ankle instability can be treated without surgery using physiotherapy, rehabilitation, bracing and activity modification.
Surgery may be considered when the ankle remains unstable despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, especially if there are recurrent sprains, repeated giving way or ongoing limitation with activity.
Keyhole lateral ligament stabilisation surgery is a minimally invasive approach used in selected cases of ankle instability, aiming to improve stability through smaller incisions than traditional open surgery.
An Internal Brace is a strong form of ligament augmentation used in selected cases of ankle instability. Whether it is suitable depends on the type of injury and the overall condition of the ankle.
In suitable cases, recovery is usually full weight-bearing on the day of surgery in a boot, with the boot worn for six weeks. This depends on the procedure performed and any associated treatment.
An MRI scan is often useful to confirm the nature of the ligament injury and to identify any associated problems within the ankle.
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Goring Hall and
Nuffield Haywards Heath Private secretary: Nicole Murray Tel: 07856 521034 [email protected] |
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