Initially Afraid of Surgery, This Patient Is Grateful to Receive the Right Treatment for an Ankle Ligament Injury

Experiencing an injury during daily activities is certainly something no one wants, especially when it results in the inability to walk. This was the experience of Ms. Yulia Budianto, a patient of dr. Henry Ricardo, an Orthopaedic & Traumatology Specialist and Foot & Ankle Consultant at National Hospital.

The 39-year-old woman shared that the incident began after she fell at a hotel in Surabaya in early June. She immediately experienced severe pain accompanied by significant swelling in her ankle, making it difficult for her to stand and walk normally.

"At the beginning of June, I fell at a hotel in Surabaya. After that, my foot became swollen and inflamed. When I fell, I couldn't walk for about 10 minutes. Right after the fall, I think I needed around 10 minutes just to stand up, and then another 10 minutes before I could limp my way out. I went straight to the Emergency Department. From there, I was advised to undergo an X-ray and an MRI," said Ms. Yulia.

The MRI results revealed a fairly serious ligament injury, including a partial tear of the ATTL ligament and a complete tear of the ATFL ligament. Following the diagnosis, she decided to consult dr. Henry Ricardo. During the initial consultation, dr. Henry performed a comprehensive evaluation of her injury.

However, contrary to what the patient had expected, the decision to undergo surgery was not made immediately. Instead, dr. Henry recommended trying conservative treatment with physiotherapy first. This approach actually gave the patient peace of mind.

What impressed the patient the most was dr. Henry's careful approach and his decision not to rush into surgery. Before meeting dr. Henry, she had sought opinions from several other doctors, including specialists outside the city, and nearly all of them recommended immediate surgery. Her experience with dr. Henry, however, was different.

"Honestly, I was afraid of surgery. My relatives had also asked orthopedic surgeons they knew, even those outside the city, and all of them said the same thing: have surgery immediately. Dr. Henry was the only doctor who said I didn't need surgery right away. He wanted to see first whether physiotherapy could restore the function of my foot. If it wasn't possible, then we would proceed with surgery," she continued.

After undergoing physiotherapy for approximately two weeks, the patient returned for another consultation. At that time, she also had travel plans scheduled for the end of September. Based on the progress of her condition and her upcoming activities, surgery was ultimately determined to be the best treatment option.

By the time she underwent surgery, the patient felt well prepared. Nevertheless, the procedure took longer than initially expected. Dr. Henry had previously explained that while the MRI could identify the presence of ligament tears, the full extent of the damage could only be determined during the operation itself.

"Initially, the surgery was expected to take about two hours. However, it turned out that the tear had spread, requiring a more complex procedure. He explained everything in great detail. Because the tear was extensive, the damaged tissue had to be repaired and additional tissue was used so the ligament could be reattached. That's what made the surgery take longer," Ms. Yulia explained.

For the patient, the doctor's clear and open communication was one of the most memorable aspects of her treatment journey. His thoughtful approach, transparent communication, and consideration of her condition and personal needs were the reasons she felt confident undergoing the entire course of treatment at National Hospital.

"I had never been hospitalized before, so I was quite scared. But after going through the whole process, I feel grateful because I received the right treatment and excellent care," Ms. Yulia concluded.

In addition to being satisfied with the medical treatment she received, the patient also expressed her appreciation for the services provided throughout her stay at National Hospital. According to her, the nursing staff were always attentive, responsive, and friendly in assisting with every need. Beyond the medical care, she also felt comfortable with the hospital's facilities, including the meals served during her hospitalization, which she found delicious and unlike those at other hospitals.