Ankle Instability Treatment & Surgery in Austin & Leander | Andrew Ebert, M.D.
Chronic ankle instability can lead to repeated sprains, persistent pain, and difficulty with everyday activities or sports. If your ankle frequently “gives way” or feels unstable, specialized care is essential to prevent further damage and restore stability. Andrew Ebert, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Austin & Leander, provides advanced evaluation and treatment for ankle instability, including both non-surgical care and ligament reconstruction surgery.
With a focus on precision diagnosis and individualized treatment plans, Dr. Ebert helps patients regain confidence in their movement. Whether your condition is due to repeated injuries or incomplete healing, patients in Austin & Leander benefit from modern surgical techniques and structured rehabilitation programs designed to restore strength, stability, and long-term joint function.
What is Ankle Instability?
Ankle instability is a chronic condition characterized by the recurrent slipping of the outer side of the ankle. Instability is generally noticed during movement of the ankle joint but can also occur while standing.
What are the Symptoms of Ankle Instability?
The symptoms of ankle instability include the following:
- The ankle feels unstable.
- The ankle turns repeatedly while walking on uneven surfaces or during a sporting activity.
- Pain, tenderness, and swelling are present in the ankle joint.
What are the Causes of Ankle Instability?
Ankle instability usually results from repeated ankle sprains. Inadequate healing of a sprained ligament or incomplete rehabilitation of the affected ligament can result in instability. Recurrent injury to the ligaments further weakens them and aggravates the instability, which predisposes to the development of additional ankle problems.
What is Ankle Instability Surgery?
Ankle instability surgery is performed to treat an unstable ankle and involves the repair or replacement of a torn or stretched ligament.
There are two types of ankle instability surgeries:
- Anatomic repair: This surgery involves shortening and tightening the stretched ligament.
- Non-anatomic repair: This surgery uses a tendon as a graft to replace the damaged ligament.
What are the Indications for Ankle Instability Surgery?
Surgery is recommended when you have a high degree of ankle instability and have failed to respond to non-surgical treatments.
Anatomic repair is preferred in most cases of ankle instability, while non-anatomic repair is performed if you are obese, requiring increased stability or when tightening of the stretched and scarred ligaments are not strong enough and need to be reinforced with a tendon graft.
How is Ankle Instability Surgery performed?
Ankle instability surgery involves the repair or reconstruction of the injured ankle ligaments.
- Anatomic repair involves reconstruction of the stretched or torn ligaments. The surgery is performed under epidural anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision on the ankle to expose the damaged joint and ligaments. The joint capsule and ligaments are examined, and the edges of the torn ligament are shortened and repaired with sutures. The ends may be overlapped and then sutured to strengthen the ligament. Your surgeon then covers the repaired ligament with the extensor retinaculum, a dense band of connective tissue, to further reinforce the ligament. Range of motion is evaluated; the incision is closed and a sterile bandage is applied.
- Non-anatomic repair or reconstructive tenodesis is a tendon transfer procedure that uses your own or a cadaver tendon as a graft to replace the damaged tendon. The surgery is performed under epidural anesthesia. Your surgeon makes an incision on your ankle. Drill holes are created where the damaged ligament normally attaches to the lower end of the fibula (calf bone) on one side and the talus (anklebone) on the other end. Your surgeon then harvests the peroneus brevis muscle tendon, found on the outer edge of the small toe, and weaves it through the drill holes to form a ligament complex. Range of motion is evaluated. The incision is closed and a sterile bandage is applied.
Andrew Ebert, M.D.
Board-Certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot & ankle care for active patients, athletes, & adults across Austin & Leander.
Andrew Ebert, M.D., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Austin Foot & Ankle Institute, providing comprehensive orthopedic care to teens and adults in Austin and Leander Texas, and throughout Travis County.
What is Postoperative Care for Ankle Instability Surgery?
After surgery, your foot will be immobilized with a cast or splint. You will be provided with crutches to avoid bearing weight on the ankle operated. Your doctor will remove the splint and provide a removable boot to be worn for 2 to 4 weeks. Physical therapy will be initiated to strengthen your joint and improve range of motion. Complete recovery may take 10 to 12 weeks.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ankle Instability Surgery?
The advantages of the anatomic repair include:
- Simple surgical procedure that makes use of your own anatomy to repair the damage
- Preserves complete joint mobility
- Rapid recovery
- Smaller incision
- Fewer complications
The disadvantages of the anatomic repair include:
- Loosening of the ligaments, requiring additional repairs
The advantages of the non-anatomic repair include:
- Provides increased strength
- Can be used when host tissues are severely damaged
- Provides additional stability if you are obese
The disadvantages of the non-anatomic repair include:
- Decreased rear foot motion
- Does not preserve the peroneus brevis, an important structure for the ankle’s dynamic stability
What are the Risks and Complications of Ankle Instability Surgery?
As with all surgical procedures, ankle instability surgery may be associated with certain complications including:
- Injury to the superficial nerves
- Chronic pain
- Stiffness
- Need for second surgery (rare)
Why Choose Dr. Andrew Ebert for Ankle Instability Surgery in Austin & Leander?
Patients in Austin and Leander trust Dr. Andrew Ebert for ankle instability treatment because of his:
- Board-Certified expertise in orthopedic and sports-related injuries
- Advanced experience in ligament repair and ankle reconstruction
- Personalized treatment plans based on severity and activity level
- Focus on minimally invasive and anatomic repair techniques
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation programs
- Commitment to restoring stability, mobility, and long-term function
Ankle Instability FAQs
What causes chronic ankle instability?
It is most commonly caused by repeated ankle sprains or improper healing of ligaments after an injury.
When is surgery needed for ankle instability?
Surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments such as bracing and physical therapy fail to provide relief.
What is the difference between anatomic and non-anatomic repair?
Anatomic repair tightens and restores your existing ligaments, while non-anatomic repair uses a tendon graft to reconstruct the ligament.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
Most patients recover within 10–12 weeks, with full return to activities depending on rehabilitation progress.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes, physical therapy is essential to regain strength, balance, and range of motion.
Schedule Your Ankle Instability Consultation in Austin and Leander
If you are experiencing repeated ankle sprains or instability, early treatment can prevent further injury and improve long-term outcomes.
Andrew Ebert, M.D., offers expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for ankle instability in Austin and Leander, helping you regain confidence and stability in your movement.
Take control of your ankle health today.
Dr. Ebert is dedicated to delivering precise, patient-centered care that helps you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
