Ankle reconstruction surgery
Ankle reconstruction surgery combines procedures to restore the shape, stability and function of an ankle affected by complex injury, deformity or joint damage.
Ankle reconstruction surgery overview
Ankle reconstruction is not one single operation. It is a treatment plan tailored to the parts of your ankle that are damaged and the symptoms they are causing. Surgery may involve repairing ligaments or tendons, correcting the position of bones, treating damaged cartilage or joining severely damaged joints. The aim is to create a more stable and comfortable ankle and improve the way you stand and walk.
How is surgery carried out?
Your specialist will explain which procedures are recommended and why. Depending on your ankle, surgery may be carried out through small keyhole cuts, open surgery or a combination of both.
You will usually have a general anaesthetic and may stay in hospital for one to three nights. Your ankle will be protected in a cast or boot after surgery.
Are there any risks?
The risks depend on the procedures involved, but can include:
- Infection or problems with wound healing
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels
- A blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT)
- Stiffness, swelling or ongoing pain
- Bones not healing in the planned position
- Continued weakness or instability
- The need for further surgery
Your specialist will explain the risks relevant to your individual operation.
Recovery from ankle reconstruction surgery
Rest and protection
Your ankle will be protected in a plaster dressing or cast. Rest with your foot raised, keep the dressing dry and avoid putting weight through the foot unless advised otherwise.
Supporting healing
Your specialist will check your progress and may arrange X-rays. Depending on the procedures performed, you may move into a boot and begin increasing weight-bearing and movement.
Building function
Walking, strength and balance will improve gradually. Recovery may feel good at around six months, but swelling and function can continue to improve for up to a year.
Working with foot and ankle professionals and teams
Our foot and ankle specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their feet and ankles. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Ankle reconstruction surgery FAQs
This depends on the procedures you have had. You must be out of your cast or boot, walking safely and able to perform an emergency stop comfortably. Ask your specialist and check with your insurer before driving.
You may be able to return to desk-based work after four to six weeks if you can travel safely and keep your foot raised. A physical role may require several months away from work.
Your return will depend on the type of reconstruction, your healing and your chosen sport. Lower-impact exercise will usually begin first, followed by a gradual return to more demanding activity under the guidance of your physiotherapist.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
1 of 4