The Brodstrom procedure is an ankle stabilization procedure that is generally performed on the ankle after repeated ankle sprains which causes damage and lateral ankle instability. This instability and ankle ligament damage can end in pain and simply loose ankles. Generally speaking a Brodstrom procedure is a repair of the ligaments which may or may not utilize graft or soft tissue structures to strengthen the ankle. I have attempted to answer some questions related to the Brodstrom procedure:
1. Do I need to have a Brodstrom procedure performed? Fair question. Generally Brodstrom procedures are performed after a great deal of conservative treatment has been attempted on the ankle. These conservative treatment options range from bracing, cast, physical therapy, and even orthotics. You probably should not have it done if you have not attempted at least 2 of those procedures. There is one caveat if you are an elite athlete you may have an indication to get this performed immediately. Also if you are above the age of 35 you do not need to have this procedure done and you are probably wasting your time.
2 What is recovery from a Brodstrom procedure like? You will have a period extending anywhere from 2-6 weeks of non weightbearing where you do not put pressure on the ankle. Then you will undergo physical therapy from about a 4 week period. Now remember this is ankle surgery and it will take you probably about 6 months in all to have a full recovery to where you can jump and run like you did before.
3. What is the success rate of Brodstrom? In comparison to other procedures Brodstrom procedures are not a slam dunk. You are dealing with chronic injuries and ligamentous damage. It is not an easy procedure (and a lot of surgeons that do it should not be doing it). I would place the success rate at about 80%. Remember this is one of the procedures where the skill of your surgeon is highly impactful on the success rate.
4. Is my surgeon skilled? Well obviously I cannot really answer this question. But if I were looking for a surgeon to perform a Brodstrom procedure I would look for these qualifications:
Podiatrist
Board Certified or Qualified
deals with athletes a lot
does one or two a month (you do not want one that says they do 10/month or a lot that means they are over utilizing the procedure and you need a 2nd opinion)
5. What are some common complications for the Brodstrom procedure: Besides the obvious complications of infection (rare). Generally speaking a Brodstrom procedure will not make your problem worse. The most common complication is the procedure does not work and you are back to square one where you began. So the risks with this procedure are for the most part minimal.