Is it possible to need surgery for a 4 month old ankle sprain? it still hurts and pops a lot. had x-ray 3 weeks after it only showed lateral swelling.

Yes: Yes, but first you need to get an MRI to assess which ligaments are involved. This is used in a combination of the physical exam and a determination of which lateral ankle stabilization surgical procedure will be utilized (example brodstrom).

Ankle surgery: There are many reasons for pain and swelling 4 months after an ankle sprain, including damage to the ligament (most commonly the atfl), damage to the peroneal tendons, or an osteochondral defect of the talus (ocd of talus). An MRI is the easiest way to tell if any of these pathologies are present. They may or may not require surgical intervention.

Hard to say: You need to have more tests to determine why you still have pain especially of no fractures are noted in the x rays. You can begin by getting an MRI to evaluate ligaments, tendons, and osteochondral damage. Popping can be due to swelling or ankle instability. See foot specialist or ortho for assistance.

It's possible: Depends if you tore a ligament. Get an MRI and if its a rupture then that's the reason it's still painful.

It is possible: Clinical exam and possible MRI should give information to make a decision for the doc on the need for surgical intervention.

Ankle pain : Yes you may have a torn ligament you need an mri.

Possible: If you have persistent ankle pain after 4 months, it is possible you could have more damage than just a sprain. Other possibilities include a tendon tear, cartilage damage to the joint, or even a loose piece of bone floating inside the joint. The best test would probably be an MRI at this point.

Yes: Certainly the vast majority of people who sprain their ankles do well without surgery. Some people will even have what is known as a high ankle sprain and this can sometimes have an extended recovery, but can still do well without surgery. But there are cases where ligaments can be torn in an ankle sprain and not heal correctly and this can require surgery. Thank you for your question.

Yes possible: Locking and clicking are signs of soft tissue or cartilaginous damage. This needs to be evaluated and treated by a specialist to possibly prevent future complications.