Post Operative Protocol- Ankle Instability
What to Expect after Ankle Instability Surgery
Post Operative Protocol
Before Surgery
Medical Clearance and Pre-operative Blood work
Schedule Time and Date for Surgery
-Most patients elects to receive an Popliteal Nerve Block; This is were Local anesthetic medication is delivered directly around the nerve that supplies sensation to your foot and ankle. This helps a great deal with pain after surgery
Immediately After Surgery
You will be in a splint with your foot in a neutral position with your foot at 90 degrees to your leg. This splint has to stay on until the first post operative visit.
The patient must be non weight bearing and keep the splint clean and dry. This means using a cast or shower bag to keep the surgical area dry.
Ice behind the knee(the splint will prevent direct ice to the surgical site), this cools the blood traveling down to the surgical site.
Be sure to move your knee. Being sedentary and lack of ankle and knee mobility increases your chance of a blood clot or DVT. Signs of a DVT are calf pain, tightness and warmth.
2 weeks post op
The splint is removed.
Sutures and/or staples are removed.
The patient is transitioned from the splint to a removable boot.
The patient can now get the surgical site wet.
Physical Therapy can be started at this point focusing on static balancing exercises, active ROM and strength.
6 weeks post op
The patient can begin to progress to more dynamic and modified dynamic movements in Therapy such as box step ups, lunges, squats and more resisted exercises.
6-8 weeks post op
Transition from a boot to an ankle brace
-Return to Activity at 8 weeks post op beginning with linear movements and progressing to cutting movement at the 10 week mark.
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