In short
Ankle stabilisation tightens and repairs stretched or torn outer ankle ligaments (a Broström repair), sometimes reinforced with a tendon graft or suture brace, to stop the ankle giving way. It is usually combined with ankle arthroscopy and done as a day case. You go home in a temporary cast, changed to a boot at 2 weeks when you can start walking, physiotherapy begins at around 4 weeks, and many people return to jogging at 3 to 4 months.
- Anaesthetic
- General or regional anaesthetic
- Hospital stay
- Usually a day case
- Walking afterwards
- Not until the cast is changed to a boot at 2 weeks
- Full recovery
- 3 to 6 months; jogging often at 3 to 4 months
Why is surgery sometimes needed?
Ankle stabilisation surgery is performed to treat recurrent ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability, usually caused by stretched or torn lateral ligaments. When the ligaments no longer hold the ankle securely, the joint may give way during walking or sport, leading to pain, swelling and loss of confidence. Surgical reconstruction tightens or repairs the damaged ligaments, restoring stability and helping patients return to activity safely.
What does the operation involve?
- The procedure is usually performed as a day case under general or regional anaesthetic
- A small incision is made on the outside of the ankle
- The stretched or torn ligaments are tightened and repaired (often called a Broström repair)
- In cases of significant laxity or poor tissue quality, tendon grafts or suture brace augmentation may be used
- The repair is secured with strong sutures and sometimes small anchors into bone
- The operation is usually combined with ankle arthroscopy
- Your ankle is protected initially in a cast, then a boot, while healing takes place
What to expect on the day
- Usually home the same day
- Leg is bandaged and placed in a temporary cast, which will be converted to a boot at 2 weeks
- You may walk when in the boot, but not before
- Pain is usually manageable with simple painkillers
- Elevation is important for swelling reduction
Recovery: what to expect
0 to 2 weeks
- Leg is placed in a cast to protect the repair
- Elevation reduces swelling
- Non-weight-bearing may be advised, depending on technique used
- Wound check and stitches removed around 10 to 14 days
2 to 6 weeks
- Transition into a boot
- Gradual increase from partial to full weight-bearing, as guided by Prof Mason
- Early physiotherapy focusing on swelling control and gentle mobility usually begins around 4 weeks
6 to 12 weeks
- Boot removal and progression to normal footwear
- Strengthening, balance and proprioception exercises are key to recovery and are guided by physiotherapy
- Light exercise such as cycling and swimming is often allowed
3 to 6 months and beyond
- Progressive strengthening and sport-specific conditioning
- Many patients return to jogging and low-level sport around 3 to 4 months
- Full return to sport and high-impact activity when strength and stability are restored
- Most patients report significantly improved confidence and stability
Recovery varies with the exact procedure and with each person. You will get a plan specific to your operation.
Expected outcomes
Before surgery
- Recurrent ankle sprains or instability
- Ankle giving way during sport or on uneven ground
- Pain, swelling and reduced confidence
- Limited participation in high-demand activity
After surgery
- Improved stability and fewer sprains
- Greater confidence walking, running and in sport
- Less pain and swelling over time
- Return to activity with improved ankle control
Ligament repair is durable with proper rehabilitation, and physiotherapy is essential to rebuild balance and strength. Supportive footwear or braces may be used early in the return-to-sport phase. Most patients return to sport without instability.
Consent information
Read the consent form before your operation so you know what you are agreeing to. Bring any questions to your pre-operative appointment.
Considering this operation?
Talk it through with Prof Mason. New consultation £250.
Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon, MB BCh, PhD, FRCS (Tr&Orth), FRCS (Glasg), SFHEA, FFSTEd. GMC 6074953.
Prof Mason's published research on this topic
Peer-reviewed papers by Prof Mason and his colleagues. Links open the paper or its PubMed record.
- Usuelli FG, Mason LW, Maccario C, Grassi M, Ballal M, Molloy A. Lateral ankle and hindfoot instability: a new clinical based classification. Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2014.
- Tanaka H, Mason LW. Chronic ankle instability (review). Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2011.
- Gomaa A, Mason L. Chronic syndesmotic instability: current evidence on management. Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 2024.
- Lambert L, Mangwani J, Davies M, Molloy A, Mason LW. Lateral transligamentous approach to the talar dome. Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2020.