Fixing Crooked Ankles: A Closer Look at Ligament Release in Ankle Replacements

Ankle replacements can be particularly challenging when the ankle is significantly bent inward. In such cases, the ligaments on the inside of the ankle may be too tight, necessitating a surgical cut to straighten the ankle. But what are the long-term effects of this procedure?

The Study

A group of researchers investigated this question by studying 32 patients who underwent ankle replacements and required these ligaments to be cut. All patients had ankles bent inward by more than 10 degrees. The researchers analyzed X-rays taken before and after the surgery to assess whether the ankle remained straight and if the arch of the foot maintained its strength.

Findings

• Ankle Alignment: After several years, most ankles remained straight.
• Foot Arch: The arch of the foot did not change significantly.
• Additional Surgery: Only a few ankles required further surgical intervention.

These results suggest that cutting the ligaments might be a viable solution for severely bent ankles.

Limitations and Future Research

However, the researchers caution that more studies are needed. The sample size was small, and the study did not compare these patients to others who did not undergo ligament cuts. While the findings are promising, they are not conclusive.