Ankle Reconstruction Surgeon in Michiana, Northern Indiana, and Southwest Michigan Area

What is Ankle Reconstruction?

Ankle reconstruction is a surgical procedure to repair torn or damaged ligaments in the ankle to improve ankle stability and prevent rolling, spraining, or the increased risk of injury or arthritis in the joint. The ankle joint is supported by three ligaments that help stabilize the ankle, preventing injury or “rolling” the ankle. 

Do I Need Ankle Reconstruction?

Ankle reconstruction is generally recommended for patients who have a history of severe ankle injuries or inflammatory conditions that are not responding to non-surgical interventions. Some common reasons for ankle reconstruction are:

• History of severe ankle sprains that have resulted in ligament damage, pain, difficulty walking, and instability.
• A history of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that has caused joint damage, chronic pain in the ankle, and loss of mobility in the ankle.
• Patients who have experienced a complex acute ankle fracture that is preventing the bones from aligning and healing correctly.
• Patients who have ruptured or damaged tendons in the ankle.
• Patients with chronic ankle instability, which causes imbalance, pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Your orthopedist will discuss conservative options for your ankle pain before recommending surgery. Some non-surgical treatment options include:

• The “Rice Method” of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation. 
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or prescription steroids to bring down inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapy to strengthen the ligaments and increase mobility.
• Orthotic devices such as braces for stability.

What is the Recovery Time for Ankle Reconstruction Surgery?

If you’re a good candidate for ankle reconstruction surgery, your orthopedic team will discuss the procedure with you and provide pre-operative education. Ankle reconstruction surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made over the ankle to expose the damaged ligaments. Depending on the severity of the damage, the surgeon may repair or replace the ligament.

Ankle reconstruction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning most patients do not have an overnight hospital stay. Recovery from ankle reconstruction surgery includes:

• Using crutches or a walker for several weeks
• Wearing a splint or a cast for several weeks
• Physical therapy and range of motion exercises to strengthen your ankle

Ankle reconstruction patients can help ensure a successful recovery by following their surgeon’s instructions carefully, taking all medications as prescribed, utilizing their crutches or walkers as recommended, and attending their physical therapy sessions regularly while also avoiding any actions that may cause damage or reinjury to the ankle.

Ankle Reconstruction Doctors in Michiana

Discover specialized, friendly, and experienced ankle reconstruction care at OSMC, the trusted orthopedic destination in Michiana. Our highly skilled orthopedic specialists are ready to deliver expert evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized consultation for patients needing ankle reconstruction.

To learn more, contact us or conveniently schedule an appointment online with our foot and ankle specialists. OSMC operates multiple locations, serving patients in Elkhart, IN, Goshen, IN, Granger, IN, Middlebury, IN, and Nappanee, IN, and also offers two walk-in orthopedic clinics so we can help address your pain at the moment.