Ligament injury
The ankle is stabilised by a combination of bony architecture and strong ligaments holding these bones together.
Sometimes the ligaments can be injured, leading to instability in the ankle joint. These ligaments often heal with a boot or brace, but sometimes instability and pain can persist for months or years after a relatively innocuous injury. At this stage, a consultation with a foot and ankle surgeon may help determine if further treatment is needed.
If a persistent instability due to ligament injury is suspected, then an MRI scan can help confirm the diagnosis and treatment can be planned.
In a small number of cases a stabilisation or reconstruction procedure is indicated, and this can be done as day case under anaesthetic. The recovery normally involves a period in a cast, and then a boot. Targetted physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation post-operatively.
Suitable braces and boots
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A boot can temporarily stabilise the ankle to allow ligament healing at the correct tension. The ankle brace does a similar thing, but is less bulky, and can be worn under clothing and inside a normal shoe.
Surgical treatments
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If non-operative management fails, then surgical stabilisation can include reconstruction of the ligaments, with or without an internal device, such as an Ultrabrace. The decision to implant an augment like this is patient specific.