Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy lets Dr. Williams see and treat the inside of the ankle joint through two small portals, without opening the joint. It is used on its own for cartilage lesions, impingement, loose bodies, and synovitis, and alongside ligament stabilization.
What ankle arthroscopy is
Arthroscopy lets a surgeon see and work inside a joint through incisions about the width of a pencil. A camera the diameter of a pen goes through one portal and instruments through another, and the inside of the ankle is displayed magnified on a monitor. Nothing is opened up; the joint is inspected directly and treated in the same sitting.
What it treats
Cartilage lesions of the talus. Damaged areas of cartilage and the bone beneath it, often the legacy of an old sprain or fracture, can be assessed, cleaned, and repaired or resurfaced.
Impingement. Bone spurs at the front of the ankle, or thickened scar tissue, can block the joint and cause pain at the end of its range. Both can be removed.
Loose bodies. Fragments of cartilage or bone floating within the joint that cause catching, locking, or swelling.
Synovitis. Inflamed joint lining that causes persistent swelling and pain, which can be trimmed away.
Alongside other procedures. Arthroscopy is frequently combined with ligament stabilization, so that anything found inside the joint is addressed at the same time as the instability.
What to expect
The procedure is done as an outpatient under anesthesia and usually takes under an hour, though it takes longer when combined with other work. The portals are closed with a stitch or two and covered with a dressing.
Recovery
Recovery depends far more on what was done inside the joint than on the arthroscopy itself. A simple debridement allows early weight bearing and a quick return to normal shoes. Cartilage repair, or a ligament procedure done at the same time, requires a period of protection in a splint and boot before weight is allowed.
Dr. Williams will tell you which applies to you before surgery, and you will receive a written protocol for your specific procedure.
What are the Risks and Complications of Ankle Arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure and the incidence of complications is low. However, as with any surgery, risks and complications can occur. Some associated risks with ankle surgery can include infection, damage to blood vessels or nerves, bleeding, and compartment syndrome.
