Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about ankle instability and the InternalBrace procedure

FAQs

Ankle Sprains and Lateral Ankle Instability

What causes ankle sprains?

An ankle sprain is caused when the ligaments in your ankle–the tough bands of tissue holding your ankle bones together–move past their normal range of motion. This can occur if you fall, step wrong, land awkwardly, or twist or roll your ankle, and can result in those ligaments stretching or even tearing. Many activities, from your day-to-day errands to high levels of physical activity, can cause an ankle sprain.

Ankle sprains can vary widely in severity. Symptoms of ankle sprains include pain or tenderness, swelling, bruising, limitations to weight bearing and range of motion, and a “popping” sound or sensation when the injury occurs.

What is lateral ankle instability and chronic ankle sprain?

The ligaments in your ankle contribute to your stability. If they overstretch or tear, they are unable to keep your ankle as stable, which can result in your ankle giving way and feeling wobbly. Left untreated, you may experience repeated ankle sprains and continued instability.

Can't my ankle heal on its own?

Minor ankle sprains may be able to recover. Conservative treatments such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may provide temporary relief of ankle pain after a sprain or strain, but they will not repair damaged ligaments.

Recurring ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, a long-term condition that may not heal on its own. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the underlying cause of the instability.

Are there any potential consequences to putting off or not getting surgery for my chronic ankle sprains?

Yes. In addition to repeated ankle sprains and continued instability, over time, and without treatment, repeated injury to the ankle ligaments can lead to degenerative changes and possibly osteoarthritis (OA).^1,2

Treatment Options

Do all lateral ankle instability and chronic ankle sprain cases require surgery?

Unfortunately, while some minor ankle sprains can heal with conservative treatment, lateral ankle instability, which is caused by recurring (or chronic) ankle sprains, cannot heal on its own. If your doctor diagnoses you with chronic ankle instability, they may recommend surgery.

Can physical therapy heal my ankle sprain?

Please consult your doctor to learn more about how physical therapy may be recommended to help you regain balance, strength, and stability after an ankle sprain or after you undergo a procedure such as InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair.

Find a doctor who offers the InternalBrace procedure.

How are ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability diagnosed by a doctor?

If you experience recurring ankle sprains or your ankle sprain does not respond to conservative treatment including “RICE,” it is recommended you consult a doctor.

‍Conduct a physical exam and a series of tests of your ankle strenght, motion, and balance.

They may also order imaging such as x-rays and/or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

Find a doctor who offers the InternalBrace procedure.

**The InternalBrace Procedure**

Why should I consider the InternalBrace procedure?

Compared to traditional ankle ligament repair surgery, addition of the InternalBrace procedure may help you recover weeks faster than surgeries that don’t incorporate it.^3,4

In the past 10-plus years, more than 600,000 InternalBrace procedures have been performed around the world,⁵and extensive published research supports its ability to provide support to your primary surgery while you heal.

Is anyone a candidate for the InternalBrace procedure?

You should talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair. Patients who need a “revision” surgery to repair a failed previous ligament repair may be candidates for the InternalBrace procedure.

What materials are used in the InternalBrace procedure? Do they ever have to be removed?

The InternalBrace procedure incorporates several components to secure your ligament to the bone during the healing phase. While you heal from your primary ligament repair procedure, SwiveLock® anchors fix the ligament to the ankle bone and FiberTape^®suture holds it there. FiberTape suture has a very low risk of causing a tissue reaction,⁶ and this equipment is designed not to need removal.

Is the InternalBrace procedure outpatient?

Ligament repair procedures, including those that incorporate InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair, are typically outpatient. Many can be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC).

Will getting the InternalBrace procedure affect my mobility?

The InternalBrace procedure works similarly to how a seatbelt protects you during a crash, by providing protection to your surgically repaired ligament during the healing phase.

The InternalBrace procedure allows freedom for your ankle to function normally, but limits abnormal or excessive movement that may overstretch or harm your underlying ligament repair.

Will insurance cover my InternalBrace procedure?

Check with your insurance provider to determine whether your specific procedure is included in their coverage.

Can patients who have had a failed prior ankle surgery get the InternalBrace procedure?

Yes. One common ankle ligament repair procedure is called the Brostrom technique, which can be augmented using the InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair procedure. In the case of a failed Brostrom procedure, your doctor may choose to augment the revision repair with the InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair technique.

What will my scar look like after this procedure?

Scarring is patient-specific and dependent on the surgical procedure. Individual results will vary based on age, skin color, health conditions, and the wound closure technique performed by your surgeon.

However, minimally invasive surgical, or MIS, procedures such as the InternalBrace technique are designed to require a smaller incision (and thus create a smaller scar) than traditional procedures.

**The InternalBrace Procedure**

How long does it take to recover from the InternalBrace procedure?

The InternalBrace procedure helps patients get back to their favorite activities faster by accelerating recovery and rehabilitation.^3,4

While postoperative recovery is patient-specific and dependent on a number of factors, patients whose primary ligament repairs were augmented with the InternalBrace procedure approximately 7 weeks faster than those who only underwent traditional Brostrom surgery (the primary repair).^3,4

WillI be able to get back to my active lifestyle?

The InternalBrace repair is designed to help patients return to activity. While more than 40% of patients who underwent only traditional surgery reduced or stopped their activities,⁶patients who received the InternalBrace ligament augmentation repair procedure returned to activity approximately 7 weeks faster.

Additionally, ligaments repaired with the InternalBrace procedure were three times stronger than those repaired using just the Brostom procedure.^7,8

When can I get back to my normal life, including work and activities?

Your doctor will determine what kind of postoperative supportive devices you may use, such as an ankle brace, when you can return to wearing normal shoes, and when you can return to work, driving, and your typical activities.