Ankle Surgery

International Elite Care offers expert surgeons to perform your ankle surgery in a premium medical setting.

When pain, instability or restricted ankle movement become difficult to live with on a daily basis, specialist care becomes essential. Surgery aims to address the root cause of the problem and to achieve a lasting improvement in comfort and mobility, within a safe and structured medical environment. 

At International Elite Care, ankle care is founded on a rigorous and personalised approach. Every patient benefits from a thorough analysis of their condition, through in-depth clinical assessment and careful review of imaging studies.  

Treatment decisions are made on a fully informed basis, always prioritising the most suitable solution for the individual.  

  • Dr. Julien Lopez

    Foot surgery
    Dr. Julien Lopez is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, practicing in Nice and Cannes. A member of the French Association of Foot Surgery, he performs minimally invasive and percutaneous surgery as well as arthroscopy. Renowned for his rigorous and humane approach, he treats all foot conditions, from hallux valgus to sports injuries, with a particular focus on patient comfort and mobility. His expertise is equally suited to athletes and patients suffering from chronic pain or foot deformities.

Your Ankle Operation in Complete Safety with Qualified Surgeons 

Ankle operation becomes necessary when medical treatments and non-surgical options (rehabilitation, targeted therapies) can no longer provide lasting relief or satisfactory recovery. At International Elite Care, this type of procedure is carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, for maximum peace of mind. 

Depending on the condition identified, several types of ankle injury surgery may be considered: 

  • Ankle ligament surgery (in cases of chronic instability) 
  • Surgical treatment of ankle arthritis (when the condition is at an advanced stage) 
  • Cartilage surgery 
  • Ankle tendon surgery (in cases of rupture, chronic inflammation or tendon imbalance), such as surgery for peroneal tendinopathy or posterior tibial tendon disorders 
  • The International Elite Care ankle injury surgeon favours minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery. These modern techniques involve tiny incisions designed to preserve tissue as far as possible, thereby promoting recovery. 

The International Elite Care ankle injury surgeon favours minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery. These modern techniques involve tiny incisions designed to preserve tissue as far as possible, thereby promoting recovery.

These procedures are carried out in medical facilities that meet the highest standards, featuring: 

  • State-of-the-art surgical equipment 
  • Proven surgical techniques grounded in recognised scientific evidence
  •  A precise, body-respectful approach to minimise post-operative effects 

This optimal environment enables the orthopaedic ankle injury specialist to provide lasting pain relief, restore ankle stability and preserve mobility and function as fully as possible. 

Every surgical procedure forms part of a holistic recovery vision, encompassing rehabilitation, digital post-operative follow-up and a gradual return to activities.

Getting Treatment For an Ankle Injury: Trusting a specialist 

The International Elite Care ankle specialist supports you throughout your treatment for an ankle injury from the first consultation all the way through to the recovery period, helping you return to daily life under the best possible conditions.  

Depending on your goals, a return to sport will also be supervised. The process is progressive, safe and tailored to you. 

Following ankle surgery, convalescence varies according to the type of procedure performed and the patient’s individual circumstances. In every case, a personalised protocol is put in place. This includes: 

  • appropriate management of post-operative discomfort, 
  • a gradual resumption of weight-bearing and mobility, 
  • a structured rehabilitation programme, adjusted to the pace of recovery. 

For international patients, follow-up can continue remotely after returning to the patient’s home country. Continuity of care is thus guaranteed. Where needed, local physiotherapists are incorporated into the care pathway to support rehabilitation. 

Your Questions Answered: Ankle Injury Treatment by An Expert

International Elite Care answers all your questions about booking an appointment with an orthopaedic ankle surgeon and getting a tailored ankle injury treatment.

What doctor to see for ankle injury?

For an ankle injury, start with your primary care physician or general practitioner, who can assess severity and refer you if needed. Orthopaedic specialists are the primary doctors for ankle injuries that are more serious like sprains, fractures, or instability.

What conditions require ankle surgery? 

Surgical intervention is generally indicated for complex ankle pathologies that are refractory to conservative management. Primary indications include unstable fractures, ligamentous ruptures, and end-stage arthritis where orthotic support and physiotherapy have failed to provide relief. 

What are the different types of ankle surgery? 

Ankle surgery encompasses several procedures tailored to the injury.  
 
Keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) is used to clear debris or repair cartilage, while fracture repair (ORIF) uses plates and screws to stabilise complex breaks. Chronic instability often requires ligament reconstruction (such as a Broström procedure) or tendon repairs via suturing or grafting. 
 
For structural issues, an osteotomy realigns the bone to redistribute weight. In cases of severe arthritis, surgeons may perform a total ankle replacement to maintain mobility, or an ankle fusion (arthrodesis) to eliminate pain by joining the bones together. 

Can ankle surgery be minimally invasive? 

Yes, ankle surgery can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques. These techniques use small incisions (often less than half an inch) and specialised tools like arthroscopes or burrs to reduce tissue damage, scarring, pain, and recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. 

What are the risks of ankle surgery? 

Ankle surgery carries risks that vary by procedure type (e.g., fracture repair, arthroscopy, replacement), but most are manageable with proper care. 

How long does it take to recover from ankle surgery? 

Recovery from ankle surgery varies widely by procedure type (e.g., arthroscopy vs. fracture repair or replacement), patient age, health, and rehab adherence, typically ranging from 6 weeks for minor cases to 12 months for full function in complex ones. 

When can you walk after ankle surgery? 

Walking after ankle surgery depends on the procedure (e.g., arthroscopy, fracture ORIF, replacement), but typically starts with non-weight-bearing for 2-6 weeks using crutches or a walker. 

How painful is ankle surgery recovery? 

Ankle surgery recovery pain varies by procedure but is usually most intense the first few days (like a deep, throbbing bruise requiring strong painkillers) then eases to a manageable ache by week 2 with ice, elevation, and meds.  
 
Arthroscopy feels like mild soreness (resolving in 1-2 weeks), while fracture repairs or replacements bring sharper pain for 2-4 weeks, fading to stiffness over months. Most describe it as tough but tolerable, improving steadily with PT.