Ankle Surgery - Grades, Procedure & Recovery

Ankle surgery includes a variety of operative procedures performed to treat conditions or injuries affecting the ankle joint. These surgeries aim to alleviate pain and restore function. From Ankle arthroscopy, ORIF surgery, and Plate Surgery to Ligament Reconstruction Surgery, our expert doctors at Pristyn Care are well-equipped to handle whatever your health problem may be. Book an appointment with Pristyn Care today.

Ankle surgery includes a variety of operative procedures performed to treat conditions or ... Read More

Book FREE Doctor Appointment

Anup Soni - the voice of Pristyn Care pointing to download pristyncare mobile app

Patient Name

Mobile Number

Select City

Call Us

We are rated

2 M+ Happy Patients

700+ Hospitals

45+ Cities

2M+

Happy Patients

50+

Disease

700+

Hospitals

45+

Cities

Free Consultation

Free Cab Facility

No-Cost EMI

Support in Insurance Claim

1-day Hospitalization

USFDA-Approved Procedure

What is Ankle Sprain Surgery?

Ankle sprain surgery is a procedure that involves repairing damaged ligaments and tendons around the ankle joint. The goal of this surgery is to stabilise the joint and restore normal alignment, reduce pain, and improve strength and range of motion. Common surgical procedures for ankle sprain surgery include Ankle Arthroscopy, Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation, Ankle Arthrodesis, etc.

Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissue of the joint. The procedure involves the insertion of a small camera (arthroscope) through a small incision in the skin to visualise the area. During surgery, instruments are used to manipulate and repair the affected joint structures. After surgery, patients often experience reduced pain and more flexibility in their ankles.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation: Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation is a procedure that involves the transfer of a healthy cartilage from one part of the body to another. This technique can be used for ankle sprain injuries where there has been significant damage or degradation of natural cartilage tissue. In this procedure, healthy cartilage from an unaffected area is harvested surgically and transplanted into the affected area of the ankle to help restore natural function and movement.
Ankle Arthrodesis: Ankle Arthrodesis is another surgical technique used to repair joints afflicted with severe arthritis or trauma-related damage. This surgery involves fusing two or more bones that make up a joint in order to stabilise it. This can be done using plates, screws, or pins typically made of metal or bio-absorbable materials.

Ankle Sprain Surgery Cost Calculator

Fill details to get actual cost

What Happens In Ankle Sprain Surgery?

During this procedure, the surgeon will remove any scar tissue, repair any ligament tears or avulsion fractures, realign bones if needed, and stitch any damaged tissues back together. The entire procedure may be performed in session or multiple sessions if realignment is needed. Once complete, rehabilitation exercises are typically necessary to help patients regain their full range of motion.

Ankle sprain Diagnosis

Diagnosis for an ankle sprain includes:

Medical History: A thorough assessment of medical history is done to identify the mechanism and severity of ankle injury. Questions typically include when, how, and where the injury occurred, current and prior ankle symptoms, prior ankle injuries, current medications, and any history of arthritis or other medical conditions.
Physical Examination: A physical examination is done to assess the range of motion, swelling, tenderness, strength, and stability of the ankle joint. Special tests may be used to help diagnose an ankle sprain and exclude other injuries such as fractures.
Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays are typically used to rule out a fracture of the bone or ligaments around the ankle joint; MRI and ultrasound can be used to evaluate for ligamentous strains or tears as well as more severe soft tissue and bone injuries.

Grades Of Ankle Sprain & Their Treatment

There are four main types of ankle sprains— Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and High Ankle Sprain. Treatment for each type of sprain may vary depending on the severity.

Grade 1 (Mild): A Grade 1 sprain features minor stretching and/or tearing of the ligaments with minimal swelling and pain. Treatment may include rest, ice, elevation, compression, and anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). It usually takes 2-4 weeks for recovery.
Grade 2 (Moderate): A Grade 2 sprain involves more significant stretching or partial tearing of the ligament with increased pain and swelling. Treatment usually includes a combination of rest, ice elevation, compression, and anti-inflammatory medicines. Physical therapy may also be necessary to restore strength and flexibility in the ankle joint while it recovers from injury. It usually takes 4-8 weeks for recovery.
Grade 3 (Severe): A Grade 3 sprain features a full tear in one or more ligaments resulting in intense pain and swelling that requires medical attention. Treatment typically includes stabilising the ankle with an orthopaedic boot or cast followed by physical therapy to restore function after the ligament heals sufficiently over a 6 – 12 weeks time frame. Surgery may be necessary if the injury is severe enough to cause damage to other structures in the foot or ankle joint such as fractures bones or only cartilage tears.
High Ankle Sprain: A high ankle sprain involves an injury of two different structures known as syndesmosis on opposite sides of the lower leg which connects the tibia with the fibula just above the ankle joint. This type of injury is highly seen among athletes who participate in contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, etc. Treatment for high ankle sprain commonly consists of rest, ice, compression, and offloading of weight. Depending on the severity of the injury surgery may also be required to properly realign the bones and ligaments.

How To Prepare For The Ankle Sprain Surgery?

Here are some tips to prepare for ankle sprain surgery:

Talk to your surgeon and ask them any questions you may have regarding the surgery and recovery.
Visit your healthcare provider to get a complete physical examination before the surgery.
Make sure you fill in any medical forms that your surgeon requires at least 72 hours before the procedure.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure if needed.
Choose comfortable clothing and shoes for the day of surgery, avoiding garments that need fastening around the ankle or waist area.
Leave jewellery and valuables at home so they don’t get lost in transit or get misplaced in the hospital.
Stock up on healthy food, water, medications (if prescribed), bandages, and helpful aids like crutches before going into the hospital so you are prepared after the operation.

Pristyn Care’s Free Post-Operative Care

Diet & Lifestyle Consultation

Post-Surgery Follow-Up

Free Cab Facility

24*7 Patient Support

What to Expect After Ankle Sprain Surgery?

The recovery after ankle surgery is a lengthy process and can take several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and the type of procedure performed.
Pain, especially immediately following the procedure, is often significant or even excruciating and may require medications to manage it effectively.
Swelling around the ankle may also be present due to the collection of fluids as a result of mild to moderate edema in the area for several days after surgery.

Who Can Undergo Ankle Sprain Surgery?

Individuals who can undergo ankle sprain surgery include:

People with severe ankle sprains have not responded to conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).
Those suffering from recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, to reduce pain and instability.
Those who have sustained a traumatic injury resulting in ligament damage or have developed an osteochondral defect or cyst.
People with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, stabilize their ankles and improve the mechanical integrity of soft tissues involved in motion.

Benefits Of Ankle Sprain Surgery

There are many benefits of ankle sprain surgery. These are:

Improved Pain Relief: Surgery can provide more lasting pain relief compared to other treatments such as physical therapy and rest.
Greater Range of Motion: Ankle sprain surgery can help restore joint function, allowing for a greater range of motion in the affected ankle.
Faster Recovery Time: Following surgery, the recovery time is shorter than with other types of treatment.
Better Stability: Surgery helps rebuild stability in the ankle joint and prevent further injury or damage to other parts of the foot and leg.
More Precise Treatment Plan: Surgery allows doctors to take a closer look inside the ankle joint and assess any damage that needs to be addressed or repaired quickly, enabling a more precise treatment plan for each patient’s needs.
Correct displaced bones: If there is the displacement of any bones following a severe ankle sprain, surgical intervention may be necessary to re-align them properly.

Risks & Complications During The Ankle Sprain Surgery

Risks and complications associated with the procedure are:

Infections: This can be caused by underlying medical conditions, wound contamination, or an allergic reaction to medications.
Bleeding: This can occur due to trauma or malfunction of the surgical instruments used during the surgery.
Nerve Damage: This is an uncommon complication but can occur if there is excessive pressure on a nerve during the surgery or aftercare instructions are not followed properly.
Blood Clots: These can form if there is inadequate circulation to the area or from a disruption in blood flow during surgery.
Chronic Pain: It may take several months for the patient to gain full movement and range of motion in their ankle after surgery which could result in increased pain levels and discomfort long-term.
Joint Instability: There may be an increased risk of joint instability due to weakened ligaments that were addressed during surgery which could worsen over time with too much physical activity or improper rehabilitation exercises.
Reduction in Range of Motion: This can occur if scarring develops around the ligaments and tendons that have been repaired, leading to decreased flexibility in certain movements.

What Happens If Ankle Sprain Is Not Treated On Time?

If an ankle sprain is not treated on time, it may result in:

Delayed healing time: If the ankle sprain is not treated properly and on time, it can lead to a longer healing time, leading to pain and discomfort for an extended period of time.
Loss of mobility: An untreated sprain can cause the person to lose their range of motion in the joint and cause them difficulty when walking or performing other activities.
Re-injury: An untreated sprain often weakens the ligaments and muscles in the area, which makes it more susceptible to further injury if not taken care of properly.
Chronic pain: Not only can sprains cause muscle tightness and soreness initially, but they can also lead to long-term chronic pain if left unattended for too long.

What Not To Do After An Ankle Sprain Surgery?

Don’t put weight on your injured ankle: Putting weight on a sprained ankle can cause further injury or delay the healing process.
Don’t walk without an ankle brace: An improperly stabilized ankle can easily re-sprain.
Don’t skip the rehab exercises: Exercises after an ankle sprain are important to protect against future injury and to help the healing process.
Don’t fail to see a doctor: It’s important to get checked out following an ankle sprain to make sure it heals correctly and you don’t have any additional injuries that need medical attention.
Don’t rush back into activities: A full recovery from a sprained ankle typically takes several weeks, so returning too soon may set you up for some setbacks in your rehabilitation process, as well as re-injury of the joint, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the joint structure of the foot and ankle complex.

Alternative Options for Ankle Sprain Surgery

Some other options for ankle sprain treatment are:

Bracing: Wearing an ankle brace can provide additional stability to a weak or injured ankle by helping to reduce swelling. Additionally, braces give the joint a sense of comfort for those who may find that resting their foot has caused discomfort or stiffness.
Cold Therapy: Ice packs are commonly used for acute injuries such as sprained ankles as cold therapy helps to reduce inflammation and minimise soreness. A cold compress should be applied for 15 minutes at a time with 1-hour breaks in between applications so as not to cause tissue damage from frostbite or ice burn due to prolonged use of cold therapy on one area of the body.
Massage Therapy: Massage helps break up scar tissue that forms after an injury while increasing blood flow and flexibility in the affected joint or muscle group to improve the range of motion along with relieving muscle fatigue which often results after an injury due to overcompensation from other muscles having taken over during the initial healing process.
Physical Therapy: Physiotherapists use rehabilitative exercises in combination with active stretching and strengthening exercises which help manage pain along with rebuilding strength post-injury.

Recovery After Ankle Sprain Surgery

To speed up healing, these tips should be followed:

Elevation: Keep the affected ankle elevated during rest or while sleeping to reduce swelling.
Ice: Place an ice pack on the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.
Compression: Wrap the injured ankle in a bandage or use an elastic sleeve or boot to provide support and compression, which also helps reduce swelling.
Movement: Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises as soon as possible after surgery, such as flexing and pointing your toes and gently pulling your foot up and down.
Support: Wear a stable, supportive shoe after surgery that allows your foot to heal naturally without having to bear full weight yet.
Medication: Consider over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen if needed for pain relief postoperatively; anticoagulants may also be prescribed to help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs before surgery.

Faqs Around Ankle Sprain

Can an ankle sprain lead to chronic pain in the affected joint?

Yes, if the sprain is not properly treated or if it is a severe sprain, it can lead to chronic pain and instability in the joint.

Are there any natural remedies that can help heal ankle sprain?

Yes, there are natural remedies such as ice therapy, rest, elevation, and compression that can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Some herbal remedies like arnica and turmeric may also be helpful. But these remedies can only provide temporary relief.

Can an ankle sprain cause long-term damage to the ligaments or tendons?

Yes, if an ankle sprain is not properly treated, it can cause long-term damage to the ligaments or tendons, leading to chronic instability and pain.

Is it possible for an ankle sprain to cause nerve damage?

Yes, in severe cases, an ankle sprain can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the foot and ankle.

Can physical therapy help with the recovery from an ankle sprain?

Yes, physical therapy can help improve the range of motion, strength, and stability of the ankle, reducing the risk of future injuries.

Can an ankle sprain affect other parts of the body, such as the hips or back?

Yes, if an ankle sprain causes changes in gait or posture, it can lead to compensatory movements and pain in other parts of the body.

Can an ankle sprain cause permanent disability or impediment?

In rare cases, severe ankle sprains can lead to permanent disability or limitations in mobility. However, most ankle sprains can be treated effectively without long-term consequences.