Get Brostrom Procedure Protocol

What long-term outcome can I expect after surgery? Once the wound has healed, and provided that you follow your rehabilitation programme (which can take around three months), most people are able to return to a good level of activity and sports within four to six months, with continued improvement for up to a year.

The modified Broström procedure has been shown in multiple studies to yield good to excellent results in nearly 90% of patients. The technique was first described by Lennart Broström in 1966 as a direct anatomic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) when warranted.

What Are the Risks of This Brostrom Procedure? Surgical complications include bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and surgical failure. In one study the complication rate was 29% and involved wound healing, nerve injuries, blood clots, complex regional pain syndrome (3).

The total recovery time for a Lateral Ankle Ligament Reconstruction is anywhere between six to twelve months.

Formal rehabilitation typically begins six weeks after the repair. Physical therapy will focus on regaining range of motion, strength and proprioception. It can take four to six months to return to high level activity.

Immediately after surgery your ankle will be protected by a back-slab plaster and you are NOT allowed to put any weight on the foot for two weeks and will need to walk with two crutches.

No passive or active inversion or eversion for 6 weeks. Avoid plantar flexion greater than resting position for 4 weeks. Carefully monitor the incisions and surrounding structures for mobility and signs of scar tissue formation. Regular soft tissue treatments (i.e. scar mobilization) to decrease fibrosis.

Patients are generally able to walk normally twelve weeks after their surgery, and are also able to resume high impact sports activities. Many patients are also able to wear heeled shoes, but must be aware that wearing higher heels for long periods can cause damage to the feet.