Foot and ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure orthopedic surgeons use to treat problems in the ankle joint.
It uses a thin fiber-optic camera, the arthroscope, which can magnify and transmit images of the inside of the ankle to a monitor.
Arthroscopy can significantly reduce pain and improve the overall function of the foot. If the patient has ankle or foot problems that cause disabling, persistent discomfort, their orthopedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopic surgery.
People who are active are more likely to experience foot, heel, or ankle pain at some time in their life. Arthroscopic surgery can also be used to treat past injuries that keep causing persistent discomfort.
Orthopedic surgeons use delicate, thin medical instruments and miniature cameras to perform arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to return home the same day. The surgery will take place in a state-of-the-art operating room, fully equipped for cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures such as ankle and foot arthroscopy.
Foot and ankle arthroscopy entails the arthroscope, a small, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, being inserted into the ankle joint through a small incision to assess and treat a variety of conditions. The camera transmits clear images of the inside of the joint on a large monitor, which allows the surgeon to pinpoint any damage, assess the type of injury, and repair it. The following foot and ankle conditions and injuries can be successfully treated with arthroscopic surgery:
While 70% to 90% of patients undergoing foot and ankle arthroscopy achieve good or excellent results, this percentage increases if they choose a very experienced and skilled orthopedic surgeon. The following are only some of the benefits of having foot and ankle arthroscopy:
Most patients will be out of work for at least 1 to 2 weeks following the surgery. It is possible to return to high-level sports after foot and ankle arthroscopy, but the patient should expect at least 4 to 6 weeks of recovery before getting back to their normal level of activity. The swelling in the foot and ankle following the procedure will disappear within 3 months. Most people will be able to return to playing sports within several months after their surgery.