Do I Need Surgery for My Ankle Sprain?

While it is rare for an ankle sprain to require surgery, there are times when the instability from repeated sprains can force surgery. Sometimes, the sprain itself is severe enough to require surgery as well.

Determining the Severity of an Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are graded by their severity. There are three grades of sprains:

Grade 1: A grade 1 is a minor sprain in which no ligaments have torn. A grade 1 sprain will typically heal quickly on its own with minimal intervention. You may have some discomfort when running or jumping, but overall, the pain will be relatively minor as will any inconvenience.

Grade 2: This most common grade of sprain is one that sends most people to the doctor. Ina grade 2 sprain, the ligament is partially torn. It is difficult to walk. A grade 2 sprained ankle will result in significant swelling and bruising. It is possible, though not as likely, to need surgery for a grade 2 sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain. It can take well over a month to fully heal from a grade 2 sprain.

Grade 3: In a grade 3 sprain, the pain is severe as a result of a fully torn ligament. You may hear or experience a popping sound when the injury occurs. There will be immediate, sometimes massive swelling and bruising. It will be difficult or impossible to walk and the joint is very unstable. Surgery is almost always required to repair the torn ligament.

Ankle Arthroscopy to Surgically Repair Serious Sprains

If you have a serious grade 2 or grade 3 sprain that requires surgery, Specialty Orthopaedics have skilled surgeons available who can typically handle the repair using minimally invasive ankle arthroscopy. Taking a minimally invasive approach allows you to recover more quickly, reduces the risk of infection, and minimizes other risks that would be present in a typical surgery.

If you are have experienced a painful sprain that is not recovering properly and you are interested in ankle arthroscopy, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.