What is ankle arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows you to see and work directly inside the joint, without the need to open it, thanks to a tiny camera. Only small incisions or cuts in the skin of about one centimeter are made. Ankle arthroscopy is applied in cases of joint cleaning and removal of free bodies, or other treatments, such as osteochondritis. It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Why is it performed?
Ankle arthroscopy may be performed for any of the following problems:
- Ankle pain
- Ligament tears
- Ankle impingement
- Scar tissue
- Arthritis
- Cartilage injuries
- Loose fragments
What does it consist of?
During the procedure, the surgeon inserts an arthroscope into the ankle through a small incision. The arthroscope is connected to the video monitor, and this allows the surgeon to see inside the ankle. Once the device is inside, it begins to inspect the tissues of the ankle (cartilage, bones, tendons, etc.) and repairs any damaged ones. This is done thanks to several small incisions through which the other tools are introduced. It is possible that if the pathology is very serious, open surgery may be necessary. With this type of surgery the incision is larger, but the surgeon can directly access the bones and tissues that are damaged and see them clearly.
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique.
Preparing for ankle arthroscopy
During the 2 weeks prior to surgery, the specialist may request a series of requirements from the patient, such as:
- Eliminate taking anticoagulants
- Prescribe medication on the day of surgery.
- Study the patient’s medical history
On the day of the surgery, the patient will have to follow the following procedures:
- Stop eating and drinking before the procedure
- Take medications with a small sip of water.
Post-procedure care
After the procedure, a week of rest and ice application is recommended to prevent swelling. The patient may also be required to undergo rehabilitation with specific exercises led by a physical therapist, lymphatic drainage and other techniques to enhance ankle mobility.
Alternatives to this treatment
Ankle arthroscopy is one of the newest treatments in the field of ankle surgery. There are other types of treatments such as open ankle surgery, which is performed to correct pain in this area, especially when the ailment is greater. This technique is used when, due to anatomical conditions, minimally invasive surgery cannot be performed. There is another technique, called percutaneous foot surgery, a novel surgical technique to treat foot pathologies consisting of bone or white tissue alterations. For more information, consult a specialist in Traumatology.