Before Surgery
Having observed a 6-8 hour fast, you will be asked to arrive at hospital in time to complete your clinical admission. Your anaesthetist will explain the type of anaesthetic to be used and the procedure involved, and your surgeon will be available to answer any final questions before the operation begins. The extent of the surgery will vary by patient and will depend on the type of repair required. The operation itself can take up to 2 hours.
After Surgery
Ankle ligament surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure which means you can generally return home the same day. After the surgery is complete, you will be transferred to the recovery room until your doctor advises that you are able to return home. This is usually one to two hours after surgery, but will depend on the type of anaesthetic that has been used. After surgery, your foot is likely to be a cast or protective boot. The hospital will provide you with crutches to get around, and as you will be unable to drive, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to bring you home.
What to look out for
- Rest your ankle as much as you can after surgery and use elevation and ice as directed by your doctor to help reduce the swelling and pain.
- It’s completely normal for your ankle to swell after surgery, and this can take up to six months to settle down.
- Carefully follow all advice from your medical team around wound care and pain relief.
- Avoid placing any weight through your operated leg for the first two weeks after surgery.
- Your doctor will advise when it is safe to transition into a special walking boot.
- Follow your personalised physiotherapy plan designed to promote healing and restore function and mobility.
- Contact your medical team if you notice any redness around the wound site, ongoing and persistent pain, or any type of swelling in the calf above your operated ankle as it could be a sign of infection.
