Has anyone experienced ankle surgery on ligaments?

[skymama 37]

My son has experienced many ankle sprains on the outside of his right ankle over the years. He recently had a MRI and the doctor has recommended surgery to repair it because he still wants to lead a very active sporting life. (She said there are only a few fibers still holding the ligament together, it's shot).

So, I'm just wondering if any of you have had this surgery and if you have had good results from it. Would you go through the surgery/long recovery time again? His other choice is to wear a brace for the rest of his life, but it really affects his speed and mobility.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[rwieder 0]

Andrea: In 1986 I broke my right ankle in 3 places and pulled the ligaments loose as well. I'm sure as you know from watching your son, the pain is unbearable. I did it med free. I had 3 surgeries, and 2 years of rehab including the surgeries. It is a most unfortunate circumstance and a horribly painful injury. He will need to be patient and not rush the rehab. I'm a musician (Drummer) so when I got my first hard cast I started playing with the band every now and then, IGNORANT. The second surgery was to break and reset the bones that were healing so they would grow back straight. The last surgery was to tighten up the ligaments. Today, except for the god awful surgery scar, I don't even know it was damaged to begin with. Either way you look at it, the surgeries were succesful, except for the first one that I screwed up myself. As I was saying the surgeries were a success and today it's in great shape! I have no problems with it at all. and yes, I would endure the surgery/long recovery time again. Don't get me wrong I didn't like none of it, but I'm just a sissy. I hope this thesis is of some sort of help. Take Care.

-Richard-
"You're Holding The Rope And I'm Taking The Fall"

[BillyVance 34]

Quote

My son has experienced many ankle sprains on the outside of his right ankle over the years. He recently had a MRI and the doctor has recommended surgery to repair it because he still wants to lead a very active sporting life. (She said there are only a few fibers still holding the ligament together, it's shot).

There's your answer. Get it done and make sure he understands the rehab process and follows it. I know people who have lived with torn ligaments and manage well with them because they do not do sports anymore. Your son is still young.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[cvandam 0]

I severed ligaments in my ankle playing "old-lady' soccer when I was in my 30's (many years ago). The surgical repair was successful and that ankle has caused me no problems since (and I am very physically active).

For someone who's young and really active in sports, the surgical repair seems like the MUCH better long term option to me...... Best of luck to him whatever the final decision is....

[skymama 37]

It's good to hear you all have had good results. The doc said 6 weeks on crutches and then 2-3 months of PT after that, so I just wanted to make sure this surgery was worth him being laid up this summer. (He doesn't want to be on crutches again while he's still at college, he said it's a real PITA).

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[eeneR 3]

I have not had ankle specifically, however I have had ligaments fixed in both my shoulder and my knee. Post surgical sucked for a few months, but then the joints were stronger then ever. So worth the effort as I am able to continue an active lifestyle.

She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway."
eeneR
TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto

[pincheck 0]

Funnily enough i think the ankle was the only part of my foot not injured during my bike accident every other bone in my foot was broken and some bone lost . I am still doing physio after being non weight bearing on that leg for 4-5 months trying to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility. Its going to take time and its not easy but it is achievable with the right mental attitude, best make him aware of that.

Billy-Sonic Haggis Flickr-Fun

[skymama 37]

Just an update on Nick's progress for anyone who might be considering this type of surgery in the future...

Nick had the procedure done at the end of June. He definitely had a a few weeks of pain, then misery and boredom from sitting on his ass for many weeks. Then when he was able to get into the walking boot and start stretching the ligament again, he was in pain again. Three months later, he was questioning whether this was a good idea because his ankle was still very stiff when he tried to play soccer again and he was very discouraged.

BUT, he called me after a game last night and he was very excited with his playing! He said he played the majority of the game and it held up and he feels like his ankle is back to the level that it was 3 years ago (I think that's 3 sprains ago!). He needs to increase his cardio and touch since he basically couldn't play for the past year, but now he is totally excited that he will be able to do all of his sports back at the level he was competing at when he graduated from high school.

The doc said he should always still wear a brace, but Nick said he's gotten so used to wearing one over the years that it's no big deal anymore.

Thanks to everyone who sent pm's giving us advice on this. Hope my post helps someone else make the decision to undergo the knife for themselves.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon