The Broström operation (or Broström-Gould technique) is a repair of ligaments on lateral ankle. It is designed to address ankle instability. More importantly, it is primarily used to repair the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in the ankle. It is thought that the majority of patients regain most function in their ankles. The recovery time for the procedure varies according to the patient but usually takes a minimum of 3–6 months.[1]
Purpose
Acute ankle sprains are most frequently treated conservatively, although some surgeons may advocate acute repairs in certain situations. Surgery is indicated for chronic sprains with persistent ankle instability despite well-designed conservative management.[2]
Incision is made over border of lateral malleolus; peroneal tendon exploration would require a posterolateral longitudinal incision;
Surgeons care for peroneal tendons, sural nerve and lesser saphenous vein (which might be ligated), and branches of the superficial peroneal nerve;
Proceeding through subcutaneous tissue, identify and preserve the inferior extensor retinaculum;
- this is mobilized for later attachment to the anterior edge of the fibula;
- identify the ATFL, if it is torn, it is usually torn from the fibula;
- make anterior capsular incision, leaving a small cuff of tissue, identify the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) at the inferior tip of the fibula;ankle is then placed in valgus and dorsiflexion, and the redundancy of the ligament is assessed; sutures are passed through the proximal edges of the ATFL and CFL; drill holes are made in the distal fibula; sutures are passed through the drill holes, and are tied; the posterior edge of the extensor retinaculum is then opposed to the anterior edge of the fibula;
Post op care: - Standard involves 6 weeks of casting, but there is some evidence that there are better functional results with 3 weeks of casting.[4][5][6][7]
