Hi,
Thank you for your email. I see plenty of torn ankle ligaments, and that is something that is extremely common. Often it starts from a simple sprain.
If not taken care of properly, this may lead to either prolonged pain, or instability. These are the two most common complaints that patients have.
For your mum, whether or not she requires surgery depends on what the exact problem is. For example:
- How many ligaments are torn, and to what extent they are torn
- Are there also any other pathology within the ankle joint? Such as a talar osteochondral lesion or loose body? These can come about from the constant increased pressues on the ankle (as a result of the torn ligaments and subsequent instability)
I would recommend having a thorough physicial examination of your mum's ankle to assess its stability. Going through the MRI scans properly with the surgeon would also be helpful to see that the scans and physical signs correlate.
If she is very symptomatic, surgery is a treatment option that is definitely possible.
Do let me know if there are any other questions or concerns.
Best regards
Dr Sean Ng
