What is ankle arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a thin, flexible instrument called an arthroscope to visually examine the inside of your ankle joint.
The pencil-sized scope fits through a tiny incision. The scope has a fiber-optic camera and a magnifying lens that connects to a digital video monitor. This provides your Precision Podiatry surgeon with a clear view of your ankle so they can diagnose and treat problems without making a large cut.
Why would I need ankle arthroscopy?
The Precision Podiatry team uses minimally invasive arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a variety of problems that affect the ankle, including:
- Ankle fractures
- Ligament tears
- Arthritis of the ankle
- Cartilage injuries
- Ankle impingement
- Painful scar tissue (arthrofibrosis)
- Ankle infection (septic arthritis)
- Loose pieces of tissue in the ankle joint
- Unexplained ankle pain that persists despite treatment
They always take the most conservative approach to treatment possible and only recommend surgery when it’s in your best interest.
What happens during ankle arthroscopy?
First, your Precision Podiatry surgeon carefully reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam to make sure you’re a good candidate for ankle arthroscopy. They may ask you to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a period of time before your procedure.
They usually perform ankle arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure while you’re under general or regional anesthesia. Your surgeon makes 1-4 incisions near your ankle, each of which is less than a centimeter long. They insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments into these openings.
What is the recovery like after ankle arthroscopy?
After your Precision Podiatry surgeon performs any necessary treatment, they close your wounds with 1-2 sutures and cover them with a bandage. Because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, it offers many advantages over open surgery, including:
- Small scars
- Less pain
- Reduced tissue damage
- Decreased risk of complications
- Faster and easier recovery
However, you still need to complete a physical therapy and rehabilitation plan for optimal recovery. The amount of time it takes to recover from ankle arthroscopy depends on the type and severity of your condition.
For expert care in ankle arthroscopy, call Precision Podiatry today.
