InternalBrace for Ligament Repair

Chronic Ankle Instability Explained

Chronic ankle instability is a condition in which the outer side of the ankle joint periodically “gives out” while walking, jogging, or even just standing. The ankle may repeatedly and unexpectedly release, especially on uneven surfaces or when playing sports. You may experience swelling and soreness, and feel wobbly on your foot, as though you can’t always trust your ankle to hold your weight.

Repeated ankle sprains or a poorly rehabilitated injury can cause the type of permanent ligament damage that leads to chronic ankle instability. It’s a common problem for athletes, but there is help available.

How Does the InternalBrace Improve Upon Traditional Treatments?

Although the foot and ankle community generally recognizes the Brostrom procedure as the “gold standard” of ligament repair, augmenting the repair with an InternalBrace adds stability and decreases recovery times. You’ll spend less time in a cast, start physical therapy sooner, and return to sports much earlier than you would with a traditional repair.

InternalBrace: A Faster and Stronger Recovery

Typical Brostrom procedure repairs usually require ankle immobilization in a cast for 6-8 weeks. The patient usually takes around 3-6 months to return to their normal activities, and as many as 10-15% of patients must reduce their activity level to accommodate their ankle.

With the minimally-invasive InternalBrace repair system, patients can expect to be out of their cast and into a walking boot in 2-3 weeks. You can start physical therapy as soon as you’re out of your cast. Although each case is different, patients generally spend less time in physical therapy thanks to the added stability offered by the InternalBrace. The sooner you’re out of physical therapy, the sooner you can get back on track towards your regular training routine.

The University Foot and Ankle Difference

At University Foot and Ankle Institute, we are at the forefront of ligament repair utilizing the InternalBrace technology. Our physicians are nationally recognized experts in the treatment of chronic ankle instability and are often called upon to train other surgeons on this state-of-the-art procedure