Ankle Arthroscopy with Ligament Reconstruction (Brostrom Repair)
“As tolerated” should be understood to be with safety for the hip; pain, limp, swelling, or other undesirable factors are indicators that you are doing too much too soon. If any of these should occur, decrease activity level, ice and elevate the leg. Avoid forceful active and passive range of motion (ROM) as well as ankle joint mobilization and inversion for the first four weeks. Monitor surgical sites for mobility and scar formation; soft tissue treatments (i.e. scar mobilization and friction massage) may be utilized to decrease fibrosis. Rehabilitation should be monitored closely for signs of compensation or guarding. Non-weight bearing in cast for the first two weeks; non-weight bearing in boot for weeks two – four; partial weight-bearing in boot for weeks four – six, progressing to full weight-bearing by week six. Aerobic and general conditioning may be maintained throughout the rehab process. Ice should be applied to the ankle for 15-20 minutes following each exercise, therapy, or training session. Return to sport based on provider team input and appropriate testing. All times and exercises are to serve as guidelines. Actual progress may be faster or slower, depending on each individual patient, as agreed upon by the patient and his/her team of providers.