Sports and exercise enthusiasts and professionals alike can be susceptible to many ankle injuries. Sometimes the best course of care to treat an ankle injury and relieve ankle pain in the long run is surgery. Read on to learn what ankle conditions we treat and the expected recovery time after each procedure.
At Brotzman Sports Medicine, we are providing patients with surgical treatments for several ankle conditions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brotzman today in Austin, Texas to get the help you need!
An ankle surgery can be used to treat several foot and ankle conditions. This could range from a Brostrom ankle ligament reconstruction to solving recurrent ankle instability (i.e., an ankle joint that’s not trustworthy because of multiple sprains often occurring with minimal provocation or minimal trauma to induce the next sprain).
Dr. Brotzman is also an expert in ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation with cutting-edge technology to fix the broken ankle bones and create a very stable ankle mortise that’s beautifully, anatomically aligned and not as susceptible to downstream ankle arthritis because of any form of poor fixation or poor technique.
Dr. Brotzman also performs numerous arthroscopies of the ankle for indications such as OCD lesions, ankle joint loose bodies, and impinging spurs blocking motion.
Finally, he also performs multiple techniques for non-operative and operative treatments for chronic Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis, Haglund’s deformity, and tight Achilles (Achilles equines).
At Brotzman Sports Medicine, we provide several ankle surgeries to get you back to the activities you love. Below are some of the ankle conditions that we treat.
OCD is an acronym for osteochondral defects. This condition is when a piece of bone in the ankle joint separates from the surrounding area due to a lack of blood supply. These lesions can occur in the talus or ankle bone that interfaces with other bones. OCD lesions can occur from a single severe trauma or repeated minor injuries or overuse.
OCD lesions of the talus are often treated using ankle arthroscopy. An arthroscope is a special tool that allows the surgeon to work inside the joint through one or more small incisions. Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive, and the recovery time is shorter than that of conventional open surgery of the ankle.
You will need to use crutches for about 6 weeks after surgical treatment. Physical therapy will last for at least 2 to 4 months following the time spent on crutches. It’s possible to return to sports after about 4 to 5 months.
Ligaments and tendons are the supporting structures of the ankle joint. They attach to muscle and bone, providing stability and the ability to flex or extend the ankle. In cases of a fracture or other trauma to the ankle, a ligament can be partially or completely torn.
An ankle ligament reconstruction (ALR) is a surgery in which the doctor repairs the ligament by stitching it together or by replacing the ligament with a tendon. An ALR is usually an outpatient surgery.
Recovery involves a period of immobilization and rehabilitation. You will wear a cast or protective boot to protect your ligaments while they heal. Rehabilitation will focus on building back strength and range of motion. The length of time to recover will depend on the extent of your injury and can take weeks or months.
Chronic ankle instability is when one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your ankle have loosened or stretched. This condition can cause chronic pain, and repeated ankle sprains, and your ankle may give way when you walk or carry out other activities.
Dr. Brotzman can perform the Brostrom procedure to treat reoccurring ankle stability. During the procedure, the ligaments on the outside of your ankle will be repaired. The surgery helps reduce the risk of repeated sprains due to weak ankle ligaments.
During the Brostrom procedure, Dr. Brotzman will make one or more small incisions over the outside of the ankle and may repair, shorten, or reattach the ankle ligaments. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis but does require general anesthesia.
Recovery time is about six weeks.
The Achilles tendon is the strong fibrous cord connecting the calf muscle to the heel. Despite its strength, the Achilles tendon can tear (rupture) if it is injured. Some people naturally have tight Achilles tendons, which makes them more susceptible to injury.
Conservative treatment (which is lengthy and may increase the risk of further injury) and surgery are both options for an Achilles tendon rupture. Active young people and athletes are more likely to undergo surgery.
Your foot will be immobilized in a walking boot for at least 4-6 weeks. Light rehab will begin after 2 weeks, and you should be back to full activity by 4 to 6 months. However, it may take up to a year to return to full strength.
Book your appointment at Brotzman Sports Medicine in Austin, Texas today! Dr. Brotzman is successfully treating many with their ankle injuries. Get back to the activities you love and enjoy.
Medically reviewed by S. Brent Brotzman, MD
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