Chronic Postoperative Ankle Injury

Chronic postoperative ankle dysfunction may involve central sensorimotor and cortical network changes, not only local symptoms. Persistent abnormal sensory input from the injured ankle may contribute to cortical dysfunction and altered motor control. A substantial minority of patients continue to have pain, stiffness, or functional impairment 6 to 12 months after ankle surgery. Postoperative immobilisation and delayed weight-bearing can cause muscle atrophy, adhesions, and stiffness. Delayed rehabilitation is described as a modifiable factor that may allow reversible impairments to become chronic deficits.