I posted this in the Daily, but since we have an official announcement and topic, this is likely a good thing and not a bad thing. Old style high ankle sprain surgery was to place a screws in the ankle for rigid stability to allow the ligaments to heal without movement. The newer surgery, which is especially common for athletes, is this:
The TIGHTROPE device is used to provide a durable and flexible construct that allows early restoration of ankle function, motion, and stability with an accelerated return to sports.
The rehab protocol following TIGHTROPE repair is more accelerated than traditional methods of surgery. I will protect the ankle in the CAM boot early following surgery to allow for swelling control, icing, and elevation. Physical therapy will begin with modalities to help reduce swelling and inflammation on day 1 or 2 following surgery. Athletes will begin walking on day 3-4 in the boot and transition out of the CAM boot by day 7-10. Most athletes can begin light jogging in 10-14 days. I will allow them to advance as pain allows back to sport specific activities including running, cutting, pivoting, and jumping. Typically, athletes may return to sport as pain allows in an ankle brace in 4 weeks following surgery.