swelling post ankle ligament repair

by Kelly H
(Ashland, KY, USA)

I injured my lt ankle on 4/25/09. An MRI showed ATF complete tear and a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament. I had an ATF ligament repair on 8/17/09. Post-op report stated granular tissue formation at the calcaneofibular ligament. I was on crutches for 10 days. Changed to a walking air cast for 6 weeks. Began PT at 8wks post-op. PT 3x/wk for 2 wks. I was pain free the entire time in the air cast. I am currently having pain and swelling behind the ankle bone (outside). I am 10 wks post-op. Is this nml?

Hi Kelly,
The best way I think to guage post operative progress is asking yourself this simple question: "is the injured area getting better each week?" If you notice some progress each week then you are on your way. If you reach a point where there is no further progress then that might indicate you have a problem.
It sounds like you may have reached that point. My best advice to you would be to contact your surgeon for a follow up visit and let he or she assess your progress. You may need a walking brace to help you along until you are completely healed.
Marc Mitnick DPM