Q: What surgical techniques are used to stabilize an ankle with chronic sprains?
A: There are several surgical techniques available to stabilize an ankle with chronic sprains, which can be grouped into two main categories.
The first category is anatomic reconstruction. In this approach, surgeons repair the ankle using the original ligaments. The goal is to restore the ankle’s natural anatomy and function by directly repairing or tightening the damaged ligaments.
The second category is tenodesis. This technique involves reconstructing the ankle ligament using a tendon graft from another part of the body, such as the lower leg. The transplanted tendon is attached to the bones in the ankle joint to provide stability.
Researchers have compared the outcomes of these two surgical methods in a group of athletes. They found that anatomic reconstruction generally leads to better ankle movement, improved stability, and fewer degenerative changes in the joint. This technique more often results in good or excellent outcomes, particularly for athletes and active individuals. As a result, anatomic reconstruction is often considered the preferred method for these patients.