Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the ankle joint through small incisions. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the joint surfaces, ligaments, and other structures. Small instruments can also be inserted through the incisions to perform procedures such as removing loose fragments of bone or cartilage, shaving down rough joint surfaces, or repairing damaged ligaments. Ankle arthroscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure and can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the ankle joint.
Numerous ankle conditions can be identified and treated using ankle arthroscopy, which can also be used to treat the chronic pain that is frequently related to these conditions. In many cases, ankle arthroscopy is effective in treating:
- Tissue bands
- Ligament tears
- Articular cartilage damage
- Bone spurs
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
Many of these surgeries that now be performed using the quicker, less invasive arthroscopy, whereas ankle surgery traditionally needed an invasive open procedure that required patients to stay in the hospital for extended periods of time and recover.
A small incision is used during ankle arthroscopy to gain access to the ankle joint. The patient is given regional anaesthesia for this surgery. One of the incisions is used to insert a camera tube known as an arthroscope, while the others are used to insert tiny surgical equipment. The surgeon can use the arthroscope to guide the instruments to the ankle joint for therapy while visually inspecting the joint. Performing an arthroscopy typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. For six weeks following this treatment, you should refrain from exercise and other intense activity.
Because arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, it has numerous advantages over open surgery. This technique has lessened the stress connected to many ankle surgeries and gives patients the chance to experience pain alleviation through a quick recovery. Most patients report less pain and discomfort following an arthroscopy than they would have with conventional surgery.
Even though ankle arthroscopy is regarded as a safe operation, all surgeries come with some hazards. Infection, tissue or nerve damage, or blood clots are a few possible risks. Given that the majority of patients have this operation with little to no consequences, these risks are regarded as uncommon.