When is an Operation Appropriate After an Ankle Sprain or Ligament Rupture?
The most common scenario is if the conservative (non operative) route fails to get the ankle better. Operative intervention is used for two sets of symptoms, which may co-exist. These ongoing symptoms following an ankle sprain are either pain at the level of the ankle or instability from the ankle. If, following an ankle sprain the ankle is “just” painful then an arthroscopy may be all that is required. At arthroscopy any areas of loose cartilage or inflamed tissue (synovitis) or scar tissue (arthrofibrosis) can be removed from the joint. The timing of ankle arthroscopy following an ankle sprain is open to discussion depending on individual wishes/requirements. There is debate (and evidence both ways) about whether operative repair of the ligaments early, without first failing conservative treatment, is justified. Anterior ankle synovitis before and after removal with an arthroscopic shaver If ankle instability is also a problem following ankle sprain then the ligaments may or may not
