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Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care, as reported by PHIN
- 97% of orthopaedic patients rate our care ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’
- Appointments confirmed within 24 hours
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ANKLE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
If your ankle has suffered repeated sprains, frequently gives way, feels weak or causes you severe or persistent pain, we can help. At HCA UK, you’ll get access to leading orthopaedic surgeons who specialise in foot and ankle treatments. They’ll use the latest imaging technology, including weight-bearing X-rays, to accurately diagnose your condition and provide personalised treatment plans to help you on the right treatment path. Our focus is to help you fully recover and prevent re-injury.
Your ankle is a hinge joint that allows your feet to move up and down, and from side to side. There are several ligaments inside your ankle that keep the bones tightly connected so you stay steady when you walk, run or exercise.
Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is a procedure that repairs or replaces damaged, loose or stretched ligaments by tightening, reconstructing or bracing them, to strengthen your ankle make it more stable again.
Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery is a procedure that repairs or replaces damaged, loose or stretched ligaments by tightening, reconstructing or bracing them, to strengthen your ankle make it more stable again.
Every patient is different, and your consultant will discuss your symptoms and the condition of your ankle in detail before recommending surgery.
However, there are some common signs that you might need ankle ligament reconstruction:
However, there are some common signs that you might need ankle ligament reconstruction:
- Your ankle often feels weak, unstable or is ‘giving way’
- You repeatedly sprain your ankle
- Persistent pain
- Previous treatment such as physiotherapy or medication haven’t worked
- Imaging tests (MRI, ultrasound, X-ray) show significant damage to your ankle ligaments
The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, or sometimes using an epidural, which numbs the lower half of your body.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in the outside of your ankle. In some cases, they might insert a small camera (arthroscope) to get a more detailed look at the damage to your ligaments before beginning to operate.
Then they’ll repair any damaged ligaments, using one of the following methods:
Your surgeon will make a small incision in the outside of your ankle. In some cases, they might insert a small camera (arthroscope) to get a more detailed look at the damage to your ligaments before beginning to operate.
Then they’ll repair any damaged ligaments, using one of the following methods:
- Tightening the stretched ligament by cutting it, overlapping the two ends to make the ligament shorter, sewing those ends together and reinforcing the repair with tissue from within your ankle.
- Reconstructing the ligaments by reinforcing them, using tissue from other tendons in your ankle.
- Bracing the ligaments to make them stronger, by drilling small holes into the bones they connect to and reattaching the ligaments with stitches.
Your recovery time varies, and will depend on several factors, including your age, your overall health, the degree of damage to your ankle and the specific surgery you have.
Broadly speaking, you’ll need to wear the cast with limited weight bearing and use crutches for two weeks, then gradually weight bearing in a walking orthopaedic boot for four to six weeks, and you’ll also start physical therapy during that time.
You should be back in your normal shoes within around eight weeks, but total recovery will take four to six months. After that, you should be able to get back to sport or physically demanding work, although you may need a brace for stability.
Broadly speaking, you’ll need to wear the cast with limited weight bearing and use crutches for two weeks, then gradually weight bearing in a walking orthopaedic boot for four to six weeks, and you’ll also start physical therapy during that time.
You should be back in your normal shoes within around eight weeks, but total recovery will take four to six months. After that, you should be able to get back to sport or physically demanding work, although you may need a brace for stability.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist foot and ankle consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
ANKLE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
What to expect
Our expert consultants know how painful and frustrating it can be to live with a damaged or unstable ankle, and they’re committed to giving you the personalised treatment you need to repair it.
You’ll be looked after by a leading ankle specialist and a dedicated team, who’ll give you an accurate diagnosis, expert surgical treatment and all the support you need.
You’ll be looked after by a leading ankle specialist and a dedicated team, who’ll give you an accurate diagnosis, expert surgical treatment and all the support you need.
01
Initial consultation
The first step is to visit your GP or a specialist consultant to discuss your ankle symptoms. It’s a chance to talk about any pain and mobility issues you’re experiencing, any previous treatments you’ve had, and your general medical history and overall health. Your doctor might suggest non-surgical treatments such as medication, exercises or physiotherapy before recommending a reconstruction. If those treatments have already proved ineffective, or your ankle needs urgent attention, surgery might be the best option.
02
Investigation and diagnostics
A specialist ankle consultant will carry out a thorough physical examination of your ankle to see how the joint’s working, assess your stability and ask about your pain levels and mobility. They will also carry out imaging tests to see the inside of your ankle joint more clearly, which could be an X-ray, an ultrasound or an MRI scan. Those results should be available that day, so your consultant can devise a specific surgery for you and talk you through what’s going to happen.
03
The ankle ligament reconstruction surgery
It’s best to arrive for the surgery with a family member or friend who can help you get home later that day, and to bring any medications you regularly take.
Your ankle ligament reconstruction surgery will usually be carried out under a general anaesthetic, but some patients have an epidural, which numbs just the lower half of your body. Your consultant will talk you through the operation beforehand, and you’ll have a chance to raise any questions or concerns.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in your ankle, repair or reconstruct any stretched or damaged ligaments, and close the incision with stitches. The surgery should take around 1.5 hours in total.
Your ankle ligament reconstruction surgery will usually be carried out under a general anaesthetic, but some patients have an epidural, which numbs just the lower half of your body. Your consultant will talk you through the operation beforehand, and you’ll have a chance to raise any questions or concerns.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in your ankle, repair or reconstruct any stretched or damaged ligaments, and close the incision with stitches. The surgery should take around 1.5 hours in total.
04
Aftercare and recovery
After your surgery, your ankle will be in a cast or protective boot, that reaches up to below your knee. When you’re recovered from your anaesthetic and feeling ready, a member of the physiotherapy team will give you a set of crutches and show you how to use them. We’ll also give you detailed instructions about how to look after your ankle at home, any medication you need, and when you’re comfortable, you can go home.
You’ll need to come back in to get your cast removed and replaced with a walking boot after a couple of weeks, which will help you start gradually putting more weight on your ankle. You will also get physiotherapy appointments to help manage your rehabilitation.
You’ll need to come back in to get your cast removed and replaced with a walking boot after a couple of weeks, which will help you start gradually putting more weight on your ankle. You will also get physiotherapy appointments to help manage your rehabilitation.
Locations
Expert consultants and dedicated teams are ready to diagnose and treat your knee at a range of convenient locations across London and at our flagship hospital in Birmingham.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Ankle ligament reconstruction FAQ
You can expect to feel moderate pain, particularly in the first few days after your surgery, and you’ll be given pain medication during your hospital stay. Depending on your pain levels, you may be given a prescription for pain medication to take at home, or advice about over-the-counter painkillers that will help as you recover.
As your ankle heals, any pain should reduce, and it should wear off or significantly improve within a week or so.
As your ankle heals, any pain should reduce, and it should wear off or significantly improve within a week or so.
Fully recovering from ankle ligament reconstruction surgery takes time, so it’s important to manage your recovery carefully and not try to rush back into normal life.
After the surgery, your ankle will be in a cast or an orthopaedic protective boot. You’ll need to use crutches and keep your weight off your ankle as much as you can for the first two weeks.
Your cast will come off after two weeks and be replaced with a supportive boot. During the following four weeks, you may be able to begin gradually putting more weight on your ankle, supported by your crutches.
After six weeks, the protective boot will be replaced with a light ankle brace, and you should be able to put your full weight on your ankle and walk normally, without help.
Your consultant will talk you through your recovery journey and give you specific advice about managing your return to full walking function.
After the surgery, your ankle will be in a cast or an orthopaedic protective boot. You’ll need to use crutches and keep your weight off your ankle as much as you can for the first two weeks.
Your cast will come off after two weeks and be replaced with a supportive boot. During the following four weeks, you may be able to begin gradually putting more weight on your ankle, supported by your crutches.
After six weeks, the protective boot will be replaced with a light ankle brace, and you should be able to put your full weight on your ankle and walk normally, without help.
Your consultant will talk you through your recovery journey and give you specific advice about managing your return to full walking function.
You won’t be able to drive for several weeks after your surgery, as it takes time for your ankle to recover and for it to able to bear weight safely. You need to be able to put your full weight on your ankle without feeling any pain before it’s safe to get back behind the wheel. For most people, that usually takes around six weeks.
It depends on the level of damage to your ligaments and the specific surgery you have, but 80-90% of patients can return to sports or other strenuous physical activity after 4-6 months. You may need to return gradually, take things easy at first and wear a brace to support your ankle.
It’s normal for there to be some mild swelling around your ankle after the surgery, especially in the first few days, but it should subside along with a reduction in pain as your ankle starts to heal. You might experience periods of mild swelling for up to six months as you start to use your ankle more, especially after standing for long periods of time. That swelling should subside when you rest and elevate your ankle.
If the swelling becomes severe, much more painful or you see signs of redness, or if you feel a tightness or tenderness in your calf, it could be a sign that your ankle’s infected. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your consultant immediately.
If the swelling becomes severe, much more painful or you see signs of redness, or if you feel a tightness or tenderness in your calf, it could be a sign that your ankle’s infected. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get in touch with your consultant immediately.
Ankle ligament reconstruction surgery will make your ankle tighter and stronger, but it’s not a guarantee against future injury. The best way to avoid hurting your ankle again, or needing more surgery, is to take preventative steps in your everyday life:
- Fully complete your physiotherapy programme after surgery
- Do the exercises you’re given to strengthen your ankle muscles
- Practice exercises that help your balance
- Wear the right shoes for specific activities, such as proper walking boots for hiking
- Wear an ankle brace for high-impact sports or physical activity
- Don’t play or work through ankle pain
You may have chronic ankle instability if:
- Your ankle feels unstable or frequently gives way
- You have ongoing ankle pain
- You repeatedly sprain your ankle
- Your ankle feels weak
- You have trouble walking on uneven ground
Our patients’ stories
A cure for ankle pain: Jane’s road to recovery
When Jane first injured her ankle, the pain was horrendous. However, showing incredible strength of will and character, she strapped it up and carried on as best she could until she got around to having surgery - more than two decades later!
Glynis is bowled over by her new ankle
A 42-year-old Glynis was enjoying a night out, on the dancefloor of a London hotel. All was well, but one tiny movement was about to have a huge impact on her life.
Esteban’s lucky break: How ankle surgery saved a life
The 24th June, 2022 started just like any other Sunday for Esteban. He was in his garden, trying to avoid the volley of Nerf bullets his cousins were aiming at him as they played in the warm summer sun.
“Once the cast came off, I just started walking, and I haven't stopped since!”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.