An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ankle is twisted or turned, and results in torn ligaments within the joint. This injury often causes pain, swelling and bruising, and may lead to ankle instability as the condition is prone to recur. Ankle ligament reconstruction is commonly performed on patients with ankle instability or repeated sprains, as it is effective in tightening loosened ligaments and improving the overall stability of the joint.
The ankle ligament reconstruction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Most procedures take two to three hours to perform. During the procedure, the two ligaments may be simply reattached, or part of a lateral tendon around the ankle may be used to repair the torn ligament. Your doctor will decide which technique is best for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.