★ DR. TOM BIERNACKI, DPM, FACFAS · BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIST
Bröstrom Repair: Quick Answer
The Bröstrom repair is the gold-standard surgery for chronic lateral ankle instability after multiple ankle sprains have failed conservative treatment (bracing, PT, peroneal strengthening). The ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) and CFL (calcaneofibular ligament) are shortened and re-attached to the fibula, then reinforced with the inferior extensor retinaculum — the ‘Gould modification.’ The result: a tight lateral ankle that no longer rolls.
Recovery timeline: Week 1-2 — non-weight-bearing splint. Weeks 2-6 — CAM walking boot with progressive weight-bearing. Weeks 6-12 — lace-up brace + physical therapy (proprioceptive training, peroneal strengthening). Weeks 12-16 — progressive return to running. Weeks 16-24 — full sport return. Success rate >90% for chronic instability. Modern variant: internal brace augmentation (suture tape) for athletes — faster return-to-sport (4-6 months vs 6-9 months for traditional Bröstrom).
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, Suite 208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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More Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials
Stability Walking/Running Shoe
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — lateral support during recovery walking.
KT Tape for Ankle Support
KT Tape — proprioceptive support for athletic return-to-play.
Supportive Insole
PowerStep Pinnacle — arch support reduces re-injury risk during recovery.
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When to See a Podiatrist
A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle sprains, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
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Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.