Can a torn ATFL heal on its own?
Nearly all isolated low ankle sprains can be treated without surgery. Even a complete ligament tear (Grade 3) will heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized and rehabilitated appropriately.
How long does a torn ATFL take to heal?
A return to practice in sports may take 5-6 weeks and a return to sports may take 6-8 weeks.
Is an ATFL tear serious?
Clinical Management Of ATFL Rupture
The concern would be that they develop chronic instability in the ankle or an anterior ankle impingement long term, which would require surgery. This can occur in patients who either present to physiotherapy late, or are non- compliant with their rehab.
Can you walk on a torn ATFL?
It can become overly stretched in a sprain, partially torn, or even completely torn (ruptured). Small tears of the ATFL will cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, but walking is usually still possible. Larger ATFL tears will cause greater pain, swelling and bruising, and you may have difficulty walking.
When is ATFL surgery needed?
You might need this surgery if one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your ankle has loosened or stretched. This leads to a condition called chronic ankle instability. It can cause chronic pain, repeated ankle sprains, and an ankle that often gives way when you walk or perform activities.
How painful is a torn ATFL?
What type of pain would I expect if I injured my ATFL? As you ATFL is located just in front of and below the bone which is prominent on the outside of your ankle, you would usually expect noted tenderness and soreness in that area, possibly a difficulty with walking, often swelling and bruising may also occur.
When does ATFL tear require surgery?
If you have suffered a grade 3 ligament tear, you may initially be advised to try six weeks of conservative treatment before going down the surgery route. However, if this has no effect and you still have considerable pain and joint instability, surgical reconstruction of the ligament will be advised.
Do you need surgery for a torn ATFL?
Your surgeon may remove your ATFL and your CFL ankle ligaments from where they attach on your fibula. He or she may make these ligaments shorter. Your surgeon may then reattach these ligaments to your fibula by using small new holes drilled into your bone. Your surgeon may make other repairs, if necessary.
How long does ATFL surgery take?
Length of Procedure
This procedure typically takes 1 1/2 hours. If an allograft tendon is needed, the procedure may take closer to two hours. You are required to be at the surgery center 1 hour before the scheduled start of the procedure, and will need to stay in recovery room for approximately 1 hour after surgery.
What happens if you don’t fix torn ligaments?
Without surgery, the joint remains unstable, painful, and requires continuous care to restore some range of motion. Athletes, in particular, should consider surgery to speed up the recovery process. Surgery may also work with lesser injuries, like a grade 2 tear.
When does a torn ATFL require surgery?
The ATFL is one of four major ligaments in the ankle that provides stability and flexibility. According to Dr. Van Boerum a sprain of the ATFL rarely requires surgery; however, if he continues to injure the ankle long term, he may need surgery down the road for chronic instability, but this is not very common.
How common is ATFL tear?
The most common patient is males (2.5:1, M:F), 27 years old. In approximately 85% of sprained ankles involve the lateral ligament complex. 65% of the lateral ankle ligament injuries involve an isolated ATFL injury. In 20%, both the ATFL and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are involved.
When should I have my ATFL surgery?
If you have severe ligament damage caused by an ankle sprain, overuse or injury, your doctor will likely recommend ankle ligament reconstruction surgery. Penn orthopaedic surgeons perform the latest minimally invasive techniques to repair loose and torn ligaments due to injury or overuse.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
Balance, control, and strengthening exercises can also help your ligaments heal more quickly than they otherwise would.
Is walking good for torn ligaments?
The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.
How do I know if my ATFL is torn?
If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include:
- Swelling around your ankle joint.
- A feeling of instability.
- Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot.
- Tenderness to touch.
- Pain when putting weight on your ankle.
- Popping sound at the time of injury.
What is the success rate of ankle ligament surgery?
In 95% of people, ligament reconstructions are extremely successful, although you may have mild swelling in your ankle for up to a year after the procedure.
Do ligaments ever fully heal?
Beware the fully torn ligament
Complete tears rarely heal naturally. Since there’s a disconnect between the tissue and any chance of blood supply, surgery is needed. Surgery also helps the joint heal correctly and reduces the chances of re-injury.