Procedure
Ankle Instability Repair
For Chronic Ankle Instability
What It Involves
A Bröström-Gould lateral ligament reconstruction repairs and tightens the stretched ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), through a small incision, reinforced with a strip of the extensor retinaculum for added strength. In patients with generalised ligamentous laxity or other risk factors for recurrence, an Internal Brace (a strong suture-tape augmentation) is added for extra reinforcement.
The procedure is always combined with an ankle arthroscopy, to directly inspect the joint and address or confirm there is no associated intra-articular pathology. It is performed under general anaesthetic, with local anaesthetic infiltration at the time of surgery for good pain control in the first 12–24 hours afterward, and is usually done as day surgery.
Benefits
- Restores mechanical stability to the ankle, reducing further sprains and giving way.
- Reliable, well-established procedure with high success rates.
- Allows an ankle arthroscopy at the same time to address any associated joint pathology.
- Most patients return to sport and full activity.
Recovery Timeline
Everyone heals at a different rate. This timeline is a guide.
Weeks 0–2
Non-weight-bearing in a boot. The wound is checked at 2 weeks.
Weeks 2–6
Weight-bearing as tolerated in the boot continues.
Weeks 6 onwards
Wean out of the boot into supportive shoes, with physiotherapy beginning, focusing on regaining range of motion, strength, and proprioception (balance).
3 months
Clinical review, with your physiotherapist guiding a gradual return to sport based on objective testing rather than a fixed date.