Specialized ankle surgery at RAK Hospital helps young man regain mobility after years of pain

Khaleej Times

11 hours ago

After spending nearly three years in pain and gradually withdrawing from sports and daily activities, 28-year-old Samuel Tyler can finally walk—and run—without fear. A persistent ankle problem following an old football injury had been limiting his mobility, causing repeated falls and keeping him from the active lifestyle he once enjoyed.
His turning point came when he visited RAK Hospital, where a consultation with Dr. Bharath Patil, Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon, revealed a condition many don't even know exists: chronic lateral ankle instability.
'Many people assume ankle injuries will heal on their own or aren't aware that unresolved ligament damage can lead to long-term instability,' said Dr. Bharath Patil, who led the surgery. 'This was the first time we performed an advanced lateral ankle ligament reconstruction of this kind in the Northern Emirates, and it's important to raise awareness that such treatment options are now available closer to home — and they can truly change lives. In Mr. Tyler's case, the condition had robbed him of confidence and mobility for nearly three years. He had completely stopped playing sports and lived with a constant fear of his ankle giving way, especially while walking on uneven ground.'
After a thorough clinical evaluation and MRI scan, Dr. Patil and his team performed a Broström repair — an advanced, minimally invasive ankle ligament reconstruction. The procedure, which took about an hour, involved the use of suture anchors, high-strength fiber tapes, and knotless PEEK screws to restore joint stability.
Tyler, who had been relying on braces and bandages for months, opted for surgery after continued discomfort and instability. Following a short recovery period and structured physiotherapy, he is now back on his feet — pain-free and active once again.
What makes this case notable is not just the result — but the awareness it brings to a commonly overlooked issue. According to Dr. Patil, many young adults, especially athletes and those with active lifestyles, suffer from recurring ankle sprains and assume it's just part of the game.
'We see patients who've lived with pain for years. They're told to rest, stretch, or wear a brace, but the core problem—damaged ligaments—remains unaddressed,' he explained. 'Once those ligaments are reconstructed, their quality of life improves dramatically.'
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital said, 'We're truly proud to offer top-quality care and innovative treatments right here in our community. This surgery marks milestone as the first of its kind in the Northern Emirates, showing how we're bringing advanced orthopedic care closer to home. It's a big step forward, and a real win for our patients.'
The condition, though not widely known, is treatable. It often follows sports injuries—especially in football, rugby, or hiking—where ankle twists and sprains are frequent. If left untreated, it leads to ongoing instability, a higher risk of falls, and long-term joint wear.
RAK Hospital's orthopaedics department is now offering this surgical option to similar patients, and Dr. Patil encourages anyone with chronic ankle pain, especially those who experience repeated twists or a 'giving way' sensation, to seek evaluation.
'Surgery is never the first step,' he emphasized. 'But when conservative treatments don't resolve the issue after several months, it's worth looking at what else can be done.'
Tyler, now back to his routine and pain-free, hopes others won't wait as long as he did. 'I just wish I had known earlier that there was a fix,' he said. 'I am extremely happy to have undergone this surgery, which has given me back my active lifestyle. Dr. Bharath took the time to explain all the pros and cons in detail, making me feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. He has been brilliant every step of the way, providing excellent aftercare and support. I highly recommend him and am very thankful to RAK Hospital for their outstanding service and care.'