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

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.

Early = best results: Once its diagnosed with a mri, i find best results with early ligament repair. Late surgery can result in good results as well, but not as good as with earlier repairs.