Question 1

how quickly does an atfl ligament tear need to get repaired?

Accepted Answer

Give it time: For an acute ligament tear, healing time can be 4-6 weeks depending on various factors. I would use a brace, compression, consider physical therapy and look for slow improvement the whole time. 

I would give it 6 months before you decide on surgery. Look for pain, swelling and ankle instability as key signs ligament not healed. Mri can be diagnostic to see for sure.

Question 2

hello i am getting atfl repair surgery and want to fly after, would i be able to fly after two weeks? thanks?

Accepted Answer

: yes

Question 3

i'm thinking of having a brostrom procedure to repair a complete tear the atfl, cfl.would this be a good choice in the long run since i'm very active?

Accepted Answer

Ankle instability : The brostrom gould procedure is a very safe and effective procedure to stabilize the ankle so that you can return to regular activities. Make sure you find a surgeon who is well versed in this procedure.

Question 4

i had a severe sprain which was a complete tear of my atfl ligament along with damage to the cfl. i'm immobilized but unstable. will stability return?

Accepted Answer

Ankle sprains: You are describing an ankle sprain with 2 of the 3 ropes that hold your bones together (ligaments) on the outside of ankle torn. (Get xray if bones hurt). For first sprains, most people do well with rest, ice, elevation and gentle range of motion activity.  Later, exercises often strengthen the supporting muscles and can help.  If the ankle remains unstable make sure to see an orthopaedic surgeon.

Question 5

can a complete tear of atfl be healed by  physical therapy explain?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful: I assume you are talking about anterior talo-fibular ligament of the ankle?   Totally healing is not always necessary if it is just one of several supporting ligaments in the area.  Sometimes taking the conservative approach outweighs the surgery risks of healing time and complications .  Discuss subtleties and treatment decision, rationale, pros & cons with your orthopedic surgeon.

Question 6

just had atfl repair done on my left ankle - how long is it likely to be before i can take the backslab off?

Accepted Answer

Suggest Strongly: you get permission from your TREATING orthopedist/surgeon before removing your splint!!

Hope this is helpful!

Dr Z

Question 7

i've complete torn atfl.last injury 9,wks ago.still hurts to walk and swells up.should it be braced/cast/bandage while i wait for orthoped appointment

Accepted Answer

Torn ATFL: Ankle sprains often result in a torn ATFL. Initial treatment for ankle sprains is rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). After 10-14 days of this, symptoms should improve. Physical therapy is useful to restore ankle motion and strength.  In your case, pain and swelling has persisted and may indicate other problems, like cartilage injury. Recommend immobilization to protect the ankle.

Question 8

if i have a torn acl and torn atfl (on the same leg) can i do the surgeries at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Depends: A torn atfl (ankle ligament) rarely requires surgery.  And believe it or not, a torn acl does not necessarily have to be repaired unless you are very involved in sports, especially sports involving pivoting/cutting such as tennis.  It would be possible to have both surgeries done at the same time, but discuss that with your surgeon.

Question 9

what treatment should i get for an atfl with low t1/t2 signals torn ligament and im in continuous pain?

Accepted Answer

Orthopedic specialis: If possible get evaluated,treated and followed for this injury by an orthopedic specialist as it  can lead to lifelong chronic ankle symptoms not properly treated. I have seen a few such patients who didn't have appropriate treatment when first seen and they didn't do well ending up needing specialized corrective surgery by a specialist in ankle injuries at a university hospital orthopedic departm

Question 10

my mri showed a complete tear of my atfl. i'm a very active 60 year old, in yoga and bootcamp. do you suggest surgery or conservative treatment?

Accepted Answer

Conservative: Ankle sprains unless severe and associated w/ significant instability can be treated w/ bracing and physical therapy.

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Doctor answers about:

Atfl

A member asked:

How quickly does an atfl ligament tear need to get repaired?

A member asked:

Hello i am getting atfl repair surgery and want to fly after, would i be able to fly after two weeks? thanks?

A member asked:

I'm thinking of having a brostrom procedure to repair a complete tear the atfl, cfl.would this be a good choice in the long run since i'm very active?

A member asked:

I had a severe sprain which was a complete tear of my atfl ligament along with damage to the cfl. i'm immobilized but unstable. will stability return?

A member asked:

Can a complete tear of atfl be healed by physical therapy explain?

A member asked:

Just had atfl repair done on my left ankle - how long is it likely to be before i can take the backslab off?

A member asked:

I've complete torn atfl.last injury 9,wks ago.still hurts to walk and swells up.should it be braced/cast/bandage while i wait for orthoped appointment

A member asked:

If i have a torn acl and torn atfl (on the same leg) can i do the surgeries at the same time?

A member asked:

What treatment should i get for an atfl with low t1/t2 signals torn ligament and im in continuous pain?

A member asked:

My mri showed a complete tear of my atfl. i'm a very active 60 year old, in yoga and bootcamp. do you suggest surgery or conservative treatment?

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