Ankle Surgery
Comprehensive Surgical Care for Painful Ankle Conditions
Expert ankle surgery in Bowral, Goulburn and Campbelltown – helping patients manage arthritis, instability, fractures, tendon injuries and complex ankle problems.
The ankle plays a critical role in walking, standing, balance and movement. When the ankle is painful, unstable or damaged, it can have a major effect on everyday life.
Many ankle problems begin after a sporting injury, fracture, sprain or years of wear and tear. Some patients develop chronic instability after repeated ankle sprains, while others experience ongoing pain from arthritis, cartilage damage or tendon injuries.
Dr Di Nallo provides comprehensive care for a wide range of ankle conditions. He understands that every patient has different goals, whether that means returning to work, staying active, walking comfortably or getting back to sport.
As with all aspects of his practice, Dr Di Nallo takes a conservative and patient-first approach. Surgery is only recommended when non-surgical treatment is no longer providing adequate relief or when the injury is severe enough to require operative management.
When Might Ankle Surgery Be Needed?
Many ankle problems can improve with:
- Physiotherapy
- Bracing
- Orthotics
- Supportive footwear
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- PRP injections
- Activity modification
However, surgery may be recommended if symptoms continue to interfere with daily life, if the ankle remains unstable or if there is significant structural damage.
Patients may benefit from ankle surgery if they experience:
- Chronic ankle pain
- Recurrent sprains
- Instability
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Tendon injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced movement
- Failed previous treatment
Conditions Treated
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle Replacement
Ankle replacement is used to treat severe ankle arthritis by replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components.
It may be considered for patients who have:
- Severe arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Reduced movement
- Difficulty walking
- Failure of non-surgical treatment
The goal of ankle replacement is to reduce pain while preserving movement in the ankle joint. However, not every patient is suitable for ankle replacement. Factors such as age, activity level, bone quality and alignment all need to be considered.
Dr Di Nallo uses technology created to precisely perform bony cuts in order to achieve a better positioning of the components. This can assist with prosthesis longevity.
Ankle Fusion
Ankle fusion involves permanently joining the bones of the ankle together so they no longer move against each other.
Although movement is reduced, ankle fusion can provide excellent pain relief for patients with severe arthritis.
Ankle fusion may be recommended for:
- Advanced arthritis
- Severe deformity
- Failed ankle replacement
- Younger or more active patients
- Significant joint damage
Ankle Instability
Some patients develop chronic ankle instability after repeated sprains or ligament injuries.
They may experience:
- Recurrent sprains
- Weakness
- A feeling that the ankle gives way
- Difficulty walking on uneven ground
- Reduced confidence during activity
If physiotherapy and bracing do not improve symptoms, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries commonly occur after twisting injuries or sport.
While many ligament injuries heal with time and rehabilitation, some patients continue to experience pain or instability.
Surgical treatment may involve:
- Ligament repair
- Ligament reconstruction
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Stabilisation procedures
Achilles Rupture
The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the ankle connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.
An Achilles rupture often occurs suddenly during sport and may feel like a kick or snap in the back of the leg.
Symptoms can include:
- Sudden pain
- Difficulty walking
- Weakness
- Inability to push off the foot
- Swelling
Some Achilles ruptures can be treated in a boot, while others may require surgery.
Tendon Disorders
Tendon problems around the ankle can involve inflammation, degeneration or tearing.
Common tendon conditions include:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Peroneal tendon injuries
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Tendon tears
- Chronic tendon pain
Surgery may be considered if symptoms do not improve with rehabilitation and injections.
Osteochondral Lesions
Osteochondral lesions are areas of cartilage and bone damage within the ankle joint.
These injuries often occur after sprains or trauma and may lead to:
- Persistent pain
- Swelling
- Clicking
- Locking
- Difficulty with sport
Surgical treatment may involve arthroscopy, cartilage procedures or fixation of the damaged area.
Fractures
Ankle fractures are common injuries that can occur after falls, twisting injuries, sport or accidents.
Some fractures are stable and can be treated in a moon boot or cast, while others require surgery to restore the correct alignment of the bones.
Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of long-term pain, arthritis and deformity.
Sports Injuries
Sport places significant demand on the ankle joint.
Dr Di Nallo commonly treats ankle injuries related to:
- Football
- Rugby
- Netball
- Basketball
- Running
- Tennis
- Skiing
- Cricket
These injuries may involve ligaments, tendons, cartilage or fractures.
Revision Ankle Surgery
Some patients continue to have pain or problems after previous ankle surgery.
Revision surgery may be needed for:
- Recurrent instability
- Ongoing pain
- Failed ankle replacement
- Persistent deformity
- Hardware problems
- Recurrent tendon tears
Revision surgery is often more complex and requires careful planning.
Surgical Treatment Options
Depending on the condition, ankle surgery may involve:
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Ligament reconstruction
- Tendon repair
- Fracture fixation
- Cartilage procedures
- Ankle replacement
- Ankle fusion
- Bone realignment procedures
The most suitable procedure depends on the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, activity level and overall health.
Recovery After Ankle Surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed.
Patients may require:
- Crutches
- A cast or moon boot
- Limited weight-bearing
- Physiotherapy
- Swelling management
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Gradual return to activity
Minor procedures may recover relatively quickly, while major surgery such as ankle replacement or fusion can take several months.
What to Expect During Your Surgical Journey
Dr Di Nallo believes patients should feel informed, comfortable and supported throughout the entire process.
- Initial Consultation: Dr Di Nallo will assess your symptoms, examine your ankle and review any imaging to identify the cause of your pain, instability or loss of function.
- Imaging And Planning: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or ultrasound imaging may be used to evaluate the ankle joint, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and surrounding structures and assist with surgical planning.
- Surgery: Ankle surgery is performed in hospital using modern techniques tailored to the condition being treated, which may include ligament reconstruction, tendon repair, fracture fixation, ankle replacement, ankle fusion or cartilage restoration procedures.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery may involve a cast, moon boot, physiotherapy and a period of restricted weight-bearing. Dr Di Nallo works closely with patients throughout rehabilitation to help restore strength, mobility and confidence in the ankle.
Why Choose Dr Di Nallo for Ankle Surgery?
Dr Di Nallo understands that ankle pain and instability can significantly affect quality of life.
He is known for his approachable, down-to-earth manner and takes the time to listen carefully to each patient’s concerns and goals. He always explores non-surgical treatment first and only recommends surgery when necessary.
When surgery is required, Dr Di Nallo provides thoughtful advice, modern techniques and personalised care from the initial consultation through to recovery.
Whether you are dealing with ankle arthritis, instability, fractures, tendon injuries or a previous failed procedure, Dr Di Nallo provides comprehensive ankle surgery care for patients with a focus on quality clinical outcomes.
