Ankle Arthroscopy

The Arthroscopic Procedure

• In most cases two small incisions are made on the ankle joint
• Saline (sterile salt water) is then pumped into the joint to expand it; this creates space for the arthroscope and other tools to be guided to the problem area
• The arthroscope once inserted into the ankle joint aids the surgeon in his investigation for any trauma, disease or degenerative changes
• Treatment is carried out through a second incision with specially designed medical tools
• The incisions are sutured once treatment has been completed. The ankle is then dressed

An Arthroscope is a slender telescope fitted with a lens system and fibreoptic illumination; it projects a magnified image of the inside of a joint onto a television monitor. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to see the structures of the ankle during the diagnostic or operating stage.

Ankle arthroscopy is recommended to patients whose ankle injuries/degenerative changes do not improve with non-surgical treatments. Arthroscopy can treat cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments.

Ankle Arthroscopy Treats

• Arthritis in the ankle; to improve the articular surfaces, which can reduce pain and recover joint movement. It can also treat end-stage arthritis, with an ankle fusion surgery
• Fractures; helpful for bone or cartilage realignment after a fracture occurs. It is an invasive form of observation that allows the surgeon to examine the joint thoroughly
• Talotibial impingement; when the bone overgrows around the joint, causing the connective or bone tissue to become inflamed (athlete’s ankle). The affected tissue is removed to improve movement and treat pain
• Arthrofibrosis (scar tissue); often forms after an ankle injury. It may cause pain or stiffness in the joint. The surgeon identifies and removes the scar tissue during the procedure
• Ankle instability; caused when the ligaments supporting the ankle become stretched out. If left untreated, it leaves patients susceptible to twists
• Infection; in severe cases, infections can trigger degenerative arthritis. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to wash out the joint. It is an urgent surgery that makes antibiotics more effective
• Loose bodies; can be cartilage, bone or scar tissue that float in the joint. They can cause pain, clicking, stiffness and in some cases the ankle joint to lock
• Osteochondral defect (OCD); a result of injury, OCD refers to areas of damaged bone and cartilage in the ankle joint. Treatment is determined based on the size and extent of the damage
• Synovitis; synovial tissue lining the ankle joint becomes inflamed. The probable causes including overuse, injury and arthritis

Operation and recovery times are affected by the severity of a patient’s condition and his/her overall health.