Mr Michael McMullan
Ankle Surgery
Is ankle pain, instability or stiffness making it difficult to stay active?
The ankles support the body with every step. Pain, swelling, weakness or reduced movement can make walking, climbing stairs, exercising and standing for longer periods more difficult.
Ankle problems may develop after a sprain, fracture or sports injury, or gradually due to arthritis, tendon disorders or ongoing instability. If symptoms persist, worsen or limit everyday activities, a specialist assessment can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
What Is Ankle Surgery?
Ankle surgery includes a range of procedures used to treat conditions affecting the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage of the ankle.
Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve stability and movement, restore function and help you return to everyday activities where possible. While many ankle conditions improve with non surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended when symptoms continue, an injury is severe or the joint has become damaged.
Your consultant will carry out a detailed assessment, discuss your symptoms, examine your ankle and arrange any investigations that may be required. If surgery is appropriate, every stage of the procedure, expected outcome and recovery will be explained before treatment goes ahead.
Still have questions about ankle surgery? Check out our FAQs.
Healthcare Without
the Wait
Choosing Kingsbridge Private Hospital can provide faster access to consultant led treatment, without the longer waiting times often associated with the HSE.
Ankle surgery is available in Belfast, Ballykelly and Newry, offering convenient access to treatment in Northern Ireland from across Ireland.
We work with a wide range of private health insurers to help you access treatment quickly and easily.
Next Available Appointment
Belfast
Today
Steps to get started
Getting started is straightforward. Book an initial consultation, with options to use private health insurance, self fund or apply for reimbursement through the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, subject to eligibility.
Cost
The cost of surgery depends on the procedure, hospital fees and whether any additional care is required.
We will provide clear pricing information before you proceed, including details of what is included in your treatment.
We will provide clear pricing information before you proceed, including details of what is included in your treatment.
Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme
Patients from Ireland may be eligible for reimbursement through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Plan.
Eligible patients can travel to Northern Ireland for surgery and apply for reimbursement towards the cost of care. Our team can explain the process and provide the required documents.
Eligible patients can travel to Northern Ireland for surgery and apply for reimbursement towards the cost of care. Our team can explain the process and provide the required documents.
If you’re using health insurance
Surgery may be covered by private health insurance, depending on the provider and level of cover.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with several insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and St Paul’s.
Before booking a consultation, contact your insurer to confirm what is covered under your policy.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with several insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare and St Paul’s.
Before booking a consultation, contact your insurer to confirm what is covered under your policy.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
If you’re paying for surgery yourself, all costs associated with your treatment will be provided before you decide to proceed.
Meet Our Consultants
Our consultants bring years of specialist experience, providing expert care within their area of expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns and help you understand what to expect from ankle surgery.
How can I access ankle surgery in Ireland?
You can book an initial consultation with us directly, without a referral. Following assessment, your consultant will recommend the most appropriate treatment, which may include further tests, non surgical care or surgery.
Through the HSE, patients are usually referred by their GP to an orthopaedic specialist. Waiting times for appointments, investigations and surgery can vary and may be longer.
What are the waiting times for ankle surgery?
Treatment at Kingsbridge Private Hospital can offer faster access to specialist assessment and, where appropriate, surgery.
Waiting times through the HSE vary depending on the condition being treated and demand for orthopaedic services. Patients may wait longer for both an initial consultation and any surgery that is recommended.
How much does ankle surgery cost?
The cost of ankle surgery varies depending on the condition being treated, the procedure performed, hospital fees and whether additional investigations or treatment are required.
Before treatment goes ahead, we will provide clear information about the cost of your consultation, surgery, hospital care and planned follow up appointments.
Patients from Ireland may be eligible to apply for reimbursement through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Directive for certain procedures carried out in Northern Ireland. Eligibility and reimbursement are subject to HSE criteria. Our team can explain the process and provide the documentation needed to support your application where appropriate.
How long does ankle surgery take?
The length of ankle surgery depends on the procedure being performed.
Many operations take between 30 minutes and 2 hours and are carried out as day case procedures, allowing you to return home later the same day. More complex surgery may take longer or occasionally require an overnight stay.
Your consultant will explain what to expect before your procedure.
What happens before, during and after ankle surgery?
Understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more prepared for treatment and recovery.
Before surgery
During your consultation, your consultant will discuss your symptoms, examine your ankle and review your medical history. Investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans or CT scans may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and help plan treatment. Pre assessment checks may also be carried out before surgery to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
During surgery
The procedure performed will depend on the condition affecting your ankle. Surgery may be carried out using regional or general anaesthetic. Some procedures can be performed using ankle arthroscopy through small incisions, while others require an open surgical approach to repair or reconstruct the damaged structures.
After surgery
Following surgery, your ankle may be supported in a dressing, boot or cast while healing begins. Before leaving hospital, you will receive advice about caring for your ankle, managing discomfort, weight bearing, exercises where appropriate and returning safely to everyday activities.
What types of ankle surgery are available?
The procedure recommended will depend on the condition affecting your elbow, the severity of your symptoms and your individual treatment goals. Common procedures include:
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through tiny incisions. It allows your consultant to examine the inside of the ankle and treat problems such as cartilage damage, loose bone fragments, inflamed tissue and some ligament injuries.
Ankle ligament reconstruction
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to ongoing instability. Ligament reconstruction repairs or rebuilds damaged ligaments to improve ankle stability, reduce the risk of further injury and help restore confidence when walking or taking part in sport.
Ankle fracture fixation
Fracture fixation is used to treat broken bones around the ankle. Plates, screws or pins are used to hold the bones in the correct position while they heal, helping to restore alignment and normal joint function.
Achilles tendon repair
Achilles tendon repair may be recommended for some complete Achilles tendon ruptures or severe tendon injuries. Your consultant will discuss whether surgical or non surgical treatment is the most appropriate option.
Ankle fusion joins the bones of the ankle together to reduce pain caused by severe arthritis or significant joint damage. Although movement at the ankle is reduced, the procedure can provide a stronger and more stable joint.
Ankle replacement
For selected patients with advanced ankle arthritis, ankle replacement surgery removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with artificial components. The aim is to reduce pain while preserving more movement than ankle fusion.
Osteochondral lesion surgery
Treatment may involve removing damaged tissue, smoothing the surface or using techniques that encourage repair of the damaged cartilage and bone.
Your consultant will explain which procedure is most appropriate for your condition and what outcome can reasonably be expected.
How long does recovery take after ankle surgery?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed and the condition being treated.
Some patients return to light everyday activities within a few weeks, while more complex procedures may require several months for full recovery. You may need to wear a protective boot or cast during the early stages of healing, and weight bearing may be limited for a period of time.
Physiotherapy is often recommended to help restore movement, strength, balance and function as your ankle recovers.
What aftercare will I receive?
Your consultant will arrange follow up appointments to monitor your recovery and check that healing is progressing as expected.
Dressings, casts or protective boots will be reviewed if required, and pain relief will be discussed. You may also be referred for physiotherapy to support your rehabilitation and help restore normal ankle function.
Guidance will be provided on returning to work, driving, exercise and sporting activities based on your recovery.
Are there alternatives to ankle surgery?
Yes. Surgery is not always the first treatment recommended.
Depending on the condition, treatment may include rest, activity modification, physiotherapy, ankle braces or supports, anti inflammatory medication, injections or other non surgical treatments.
Your consultant will discuss the available treatment options and explain whether non surgical care is likely to improve your symptoms. Surgery may be recommended when pain persists, ankle stability or movement is significantly affected, or other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Our Locations
Our hospitals are accessible by major transport routes, making them convenient for patients travelling from across Ireland.
Approximate travel times:
Dublin to Belfast: 2.5 hours
Letterkenny to Ballykelly: 1 hour
Dundalk to Newry: 20 minutes