Arthroscopy

ANKLE ARTHROSCOPY

Ankle arthroscopy is a special type of ankle surgery that’s used to diagnose and treat problems in a ankle joint. This minimally invasive surgical procedure uses a thin fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) that can magnify and transmit images of the ankle to a video screen. The arthroscope is inserted into the ankle joint through a tiny incision and enables the surgeon to see inside the joint. While the arthroscope is inserted through ankle arthroscopy incisions, your surgeon can insert surgical instruments through a separate tiny incision to perform work on the ankle. Ankle arthroscopies can reduce ankle pain and improve overall function.

Ankle arthroscopy Surgery can be used to diagnose and treat different the following disorders of the ankle joint.

1. Anterior ankle impingement: (also referred to as athlete’s ankle or footballer’s ankle): Ankle impingement occurs when bone or soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint becomes inflamed. Symptoms include ankle pain and swelling. This can limit the ability to bend the ankle up. Walking uphill or down stairs is often painful. Osteophytes (bone spurs) can be seen on X-ray. Anterolateral ankle arthroscopy can be used to shave away inflamed tissues and bone spurs.

2. Posterior ankle impingement: This occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the ankle becomes inflamed. Pointing the foot down can be painful. This overuse syndrome occurs commonly in dancers. It can be associated with an extra bone called an os trigonum. The problem tissue can be removed or treated with ankle arthroscopy ligament repair procedure.

Osteochondral defect (OCD), also called osteochondral lesions or osteochondritis dissecans: These are areas of damaged cartilage and bone in the ankle joint. OCDs usually are caused by injuries, like ankle fractures and sprains. Common symptoms include ankle pain and swelling. Patients may complain of catching or clicking in the ankle.

The patient’s age, symptoms, and activities also are considered. Surgery often consists of scraping away the damaged cartilage and drilling small holes in the bone to promote healing.

Arthroscopy: Reviewed By Your Doctor

Arthroscopy is defined as an orthopedic surgical procedure designed to visualize, diagnose and treat maladies within a joint. One of the most common procedures in medical practice, Arthroscopy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, like foot and ankle sprain. The procedure is also used in conjunction with other surgeries i.e., ankle arthroscopy surgery in NY is used to improve the accuracy of ankle fracture surgery.

During the process, the arthroscopic surgeon makes a narrow, slit-like incision and inserts a thin, hair-like tube attached to which are a fiber-optic HD video camera with a minute light source. The internal view is transmitted live to a HD display source for a detailed view.

It is through ankle arthroscopy podiatry that a narrow and small incision becomes affordable. This diagnostic tool can even be utilized to repair some types of joint damage via inserting some additional pencil-thin surgical instruments within other incisions made at required locations. The ankle arthroscopy recovery timeline is much less than other surgical procedures, making it ideal for a podiatric surgeon to determine the type and extent of the joint issue and treat or correct it accordingly.

Arthroscopy: Reasons To Go For It

  • Precise, Simple & Effective
  • Swift Procedure with Rapid Recovery
  • Minimally Invasive & Painful
  • Used Where All Imaging Techniques Fall Short Of Complete Diagnosis
  • Utilized to Study the Joints in The Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hip & Ankle
  • Can be used to improve the procedure like ankle arthritis surgery.

Arthroscopy: Serving As A Means Of Treatment

The various conditions that can be treated by your specialist via carrying out several types of arthroscopic surgical procedures can be enlisted as follows:

  • Joint Infections
  • Inflamed Joint Linings
  • Ankle Valgus
  • Damaged or Torn Ligaments
  • Damaged or Torn Cartilage
  • Loose Bone Fragments
  • Scarring Within Joints

Arthroscopy: Complications & Risks Involved

Although occurrence of risks is a rare phenomenon, arthroscopy is a surgical procedure and can cause complications like ankle arthroscopy nerve damage. Following are the common risks associated with the procedure:

  • Infection
  • Internal Tissue Damage
  • Formation of Blood Clots
  • Arthroscopy: Pre-Operative Preparations
  • Ankle Arthroscopy Scars
  • Fasting For At Least 10 Hours Beforehand
  • Certain Medications to Be Avoided
  • Selection of Loose, Comfortable Clothing
  • Driving Back on Your Own Would Be Prohibited

The following types of anesthesia may be employed by your surgeon at his clinic depending upon the gravity of procedure:

  • Local Anesthesia
  • Regional Anesthesia
  • General Anesthesia

Arthroscopy: Post-Surgical Care

To improve recovery time after ankle arthroscopy, following are a few post-op care recommendations to be implemented along with ankle arthroscopy rehab:

  • Comfort & Protection through temporary splints or crutches
  • Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation to be applied to reduce pain and swelling
  • Avoiding strenuous activities like running after ankle arthroscopy
  • Physiotherapy & Exercises for muscle and joint strengthening
  • Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications imparting relief against pain and inflammation