Arthroscopy of the Ankle

What is an Arthroscopy of Your Ankle?

An arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your ankle using a camera inserted through small cuts on your skin. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as damage to the joint surface or ligaments, and arthritis.

What are the Benefits of Surgery?

The aim is to confirm exactly what the problem is and for many people the problem can be treated at the same time.

Are There Any Alternatives to Surgery?

Problems inside your ankle can often be diagnosed using a magnetic scan (MRI scan) but you may then need an arthroscopy to treat the problem.

The Procedure

What Does the Operation Involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The ankle operation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Your surgeon will insert a camera through small cuts around your ankle (see figure 1). They will wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces and remove any spurs of bone or swelling of the lining of your ankle joint.

If you have torn your ankle ligaments, you may need a reconstruction operation.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots
Difficulty passing urine

Specific Complications

Damage to nerves around your ankle
Compartment syndrome, where the calf muscles swell and get tight
Infection in your ankle joint
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your ankle (complex regional pain syndrome)

Following Treatment

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

It is common for your ankle to be a little swollen for a few weeks. Walking can be uncomfortable.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery and can return to normal activities.

Summary

An arthroscopy allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat some common problems affecting your ankle, without the need for a large cut on your skin. This may reduce the amount of pain you feel and speed up your recovery.

If you would like to receive more information on a Private Arthroscopy of the Ankle procedure at New Victoria Hospital, please contact us on 020 8949 9020 or:

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Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.