Ankle instability & Brostrom Procedure by Michael Clain, MD

Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Michael Clain, MD discusses causes of ankle instability and the surgical and non-surgical options.

[@anthonyrichards3294]

I recently had the Bostrom procedure performed in order to repair a complete tear of the ATFL, bone spurs and another partial ligament tear. My surgery was last Monday, everything went well following the procedure until day 6. The Sunday following the procedure I was moving through the house and my crutch caught something, I lost my balance and momentarily placed ALL my weight on the toes of the operated foot while falling backwards. I don't believe I twisted or pivoted, there was not cracking, popping or snapping, but I did immediately feel pain (mostly burning) over the top of my foot. The night I tripped and the following day my pain had significantly increased. Today it has mostly subsided however, it still hurts more than it did all the way up until I tripped. My question is, what can happen if someone puts their entire body weight on the toes of their operated foot days after surgery? Realistically, what is likely to happen?

[@lisamessenger3713]

I have had multiple sprains to each ankle from Ehlers Danlos type 3

[@SlingShotKid007]

Hey Dr. Clain, how many Brostrums do you do a year? I have a rupture in my atfl and tears in every other ligament. I've sprained my ankle 4x in the last 5 years.

[@Jordan-tf7dd]

Running around playing tennis at 3 months is very very optimistic I’ve had the surgery and at 3 months i was just starting to walk out of the boot very carefully. Everyone is different however Im relatively young age 26 and it does take some time. Im planning on 4-6 months to hopefully be back to normal. Longer process then i anticipated.

[@jamcode3]

I am going to be having this surgery for multiple ligaments, I appreciate the response you posted it’s given me a more clear expectation.