Ankle Instability and Ankle Joint Pathology
Ankle instability after traumatic sprains is a very common condition. After excluding an associated fracture with an X-ray the initial treatment of a sprained ankle involves support of the ankle in a CAM boot and/or ASO lace up ankle brace combined with a physiotherapist led ankle rehabilitation program. With this approach 9 in 10 patients after their first bad ankle sprain will do well. Unfortunately, however, 1 in 10 patients will experience further instability symptoms or persistent ankle pain. At this point referral to our clinic is appropriate for consideration of ankle stabilization surgery.
Usually our surgeons will arrange for an MRI scan of the ankle prior to determining the best surgical procedure for the problematic ankle. Frequently the MRI scan will identify problems such as cartilage and peroneal tendon injuries that also need to be addressed at the time of ligament reconstruction surgery.
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