Foot & ankle · Sports medicine

Ankle ligament repair in Canada

Lateral ankle ligament repair treats chronic ankle instability by repairing the ATFL and (when needed) CFL ligaments using a modified Broström technique augmented with the Arthrex InternalBrace™ high-strength suture tape — a construct designed to protect the repair and support earlier rehabilitation. Consultations with our fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Boot use is typical for 1–2 weeks, transitioning through a brace by 4–6 weeks, with return to sport at 3–4 months.

  • Modified Broström + InternalBrace™
  • Designed for earlier rehabilitation
  • Surgery in 2–4 weeks
  • No referral required
Physiotherapist guiding a patient through a lunge exercise
5.0 from 250+ reviews
InternalBrace™ augmentation
1–3 days
to first consultation
2–4 weeks
from consult to surgery
1–2 weeks
typical boot use, then brace
3–4 months
typical return to sport
Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

I recently had an anterior tibial tendon reconstruction with Dr. Arora. I can’t say enough of the care received by his team. The time from consult to surgery was a mere 3 weeks, after being told by other medical professionals that I was a lost cause. The clinic was excellent! Minimal post-op pain, along with follow-up from the team and a phone call from Dr. Arora, have made this a wonderful experience from start to finish!

P Beamsley

Anterior tibial tendon reconstruction

The condition

What is lateral ligament repair?

Chronic ankle instability often results from repeated ankle sprains that have stretched or torn the lateral ligaments (the ATFL and CFL). This causes a “giving way” sensation that limits your ability to perform sports or even walk on uneven ground.

The Broström procedure is the standard surgical treatment to tighten and repair these ligaments. Our surgeons often use the InternalBrace™ technique to reinforce this repair — providing secondary support during the critical healing phase.

Symptoms of chronic ankle instability

The InternalBrace™ acts as a “check-rein” to help prevent future sprains during the healing process, allowing for an earlier return to activity than traditional surgery.

Joint stability technology

Arthrex InternalBrace™ augmentation.

Providing immediate mechanical support to the repaired ligament.

The “seatbelt” concept

The InternalBrace™ is a high-strength FiberTape® bridge that is anchored into the bone across the site of the ligament repair. It does not replace the ligament; rather, it protects the biological repair while it heals.

  1. 1

    Biological repair

    The natural ligaments are anatomically reattached and tightened

  2. 2

    Internal augmentation

    The high-strength suture tape is placed alongside the repair

  3. 3

    Immediate stability

    The brace provides mechanical strength from day one

  4. 4

    Accelerated rehab

    Protection allows for earlier weight-bearing and movement

Arthrex InternalBrace Ankle Ligament Augmentation

InternalBrace™ ligament augmentation system

Technology by Arthrex

Benefits

Why augment with InternalBrace™?

  • Faster recoveryReduced time in a cast or boot; earlier weight-bearing
  • Reduced re-injury riskLong-term reinforcement helps protect against secondary stretches and tears
  • Structural stabilityMechanical support designed to protect the repair during initial healing
  • Earlier return to sportAllows athletes to begin cutting and lateral movements sooner

Recovery comparison

Traditional repair — no augmentation

  • 4–6 weeks non-weight bearing
  • 6 months to return-to-sport activities

InternalBrace™ augmentation

  • 1–2 weeks non-weight bearing
  • 3–4 months to return-to-sport activities

*Timelines are based on clinical averages. Individual recovery speed depends on patient health and adherence to rehabilitation.

Your surgeon

Our ankle ligament specialist.

Fellowship-trained surgeon expert in ligament reconstruction and the InternalBrace™ technique.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

The InternalBrace is made of high-strength FiberTape® which is very low-profile. Once healed, the vast majority of patients do not feel the brace at all. It is designed to remain long-term in the ankle and does not typically need to be removed.

Most patients are in a splint or non-weight bearing for the first 1-2 weeks to allow the skin and soft tissues to heal. However, the InternalBrace provides enough stability that weight-bearing and range-of-motion exercises can often begin much earlier than with traditional repairs.

Yes. The InternalBrace is made of high-strength, biocompatible FiberTape® that is designed to remain in your ankle long-term. It acts as secondary reinforcement for the duration of the repair and typically does not need to be removed.

Absolutely. In fact, most candidates for this procedure are individuals who have suffered from many years of repeated ankle sprains that have led to chronic instability. The goal is to restore the native anatomy and provide the extra stability needed to prevent future episodes.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with our surgical team to discuss your ankle instability. If you have any previous imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI, please bring them to your appointment.

Next step

Start your care journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your ankle instability and see if InternalBrace™ augmented repair is right for you. No referral required.

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