Syndesmosis Rupture

Hi,

On the 20th of June 2009, i injured my ankle playing AFL.

The following week I went to a surgeon and he told me that I had ruptured the syndesmosis ligament. The anterior band of the medial ligament and the part of the anterior capsule was completely ruptured.

On the 26th i was operated on and have been recovering since.

I have a screw between the tibia and fibula and my impression is that it is there to aid the healing of the ligament.

Following surgery I was placed in a back slab for about 12 days and then i moved into a cam walker boot.

The first part of my question is, when watching TV or relaxing, should i be wearing the boot or can i keep my foot elevated with nothing supporting it. This also applies for sleeping? I have been sleeping without it.

How long after the initial surgery does the screw come out? And is the recovery time for this operation similar to the first operation. My impression is that it is not.

Lastly, and i know this may be very hard to answer, but how long does an active 20 y/o take to recover from an injury like this.


Thank you so much in advance,

M