Ankle Arthroscopy at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute specializes in ankle arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle conditions. Whether you’re an athlete with a sports injury, someone suffering from chronic ankle pain, or someone experiencing instability after a sprain, ankle arthroscopy offers a highly effective solution with faster recovery times than traditional open surgery. Our team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists is dedicated to providing personalized care using the latest techniques to help you return to your daily activities with less pain and improved mobility.

What is Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows your surgeon to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside the ankle joint using small incisions and specialized instruments. A thin camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the ankle joint through a small incision during the procedure. The arthroscope transmits images of the inside of the joint to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see any damage or abnormalities. Additional small incisions are made to insert surgical tools needed to perform the procedure. Because it is minimally invasive, ankle arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications. It is commonly used to treat various ankle conditions, including injuries, chronic pain, and instability.

Conditions Treated with Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a versatile procedure that can diagnose and treat various ankle joint conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated with ankle arthroscopy include:

• Ankle Impingement: Ankle impingement occurs when soft tissues or bones in the ankle joint become compressed or pinched, causing pain and a limited range of motion. This condition is common in athletes, particularly those involved in sports that require repetitive ankle movements. Arthroscopy can be used to remove excess tissue or bone spurs causing the impingement.
• Ankle Instability: Chronic ankle instability often results from repeated ankle sprains that weaken the ligaments surrounding the joint. Ankle arthroscopy can assess the extent of ligament damage and repair or tighten the ligaments to improve stability and prevent future sprains.
• Osteochondral Defects (OCDs): Osteochondral defects are areas of damaged cartilage and bone within the ankle joint, often caused by trauma or overuse. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to remove damaged tissue and stimulate the growth of new, healthy cartilage, promoting healing and reducing pain.
• Synovitis: Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane, the tissue that lines the inside of the ankle joint. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue and relieve symptoms.
• Loose Bodies: Loose bodies are small fragments of bone or cartilage that break off and float inside the ankle joint, often causing pain, locking, or catching sensations. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to remove these loose fragments and restore smooth movement in the joint.
• Ankle Arthritis: For patients with arthritis in the ankle joint, arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue, bone spurs, and loose cartilage that contribute to pain and stiffness. While this procedure cannot cure arthritis, it can significantly reduce symptoms and improve joint function.
• Fracture Debridement: After an ankle fracture, fragments of bone or cartilage may remain in the joint, causing pain or restricting movement. Arthroscopy can clean out the joint and remove any remaining debris following a fracture.
• Infection: In some cases, arthroscopy may clean out an infected joint by removing infected tissue or fluid and allowing the joint to heal more effectively.

The Ankle Arthroscopy Procedure

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, our skilled orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists perform ankle arthroscopy in a state-of-the-art surgical environment. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Preoperative Consultation: Before the surgery, you will consult with your surgeon to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to evaluate the extent of the damage to your ankle joint. Your surgeon will explain the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and provide instructions on how to prepare for surgery.
• Anesthesia: You will receive anesthesia on the day of the surgery to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Ankle arthroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with sedation may also be used depending on the complexity of the procedure and your individual needs.
• Procedure: During the procedure, your surgeon will make one or more small incisions around the ankle joint. The arthroscope is inserted through one of these incisions to visualize the inside of the joint. The images from the arthroscope are displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to identify and assess any damage or abnormalities. Additional small incisions are made to insert specialized surgical instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue, smooth out cartilage, remove bone spurs, or tighten ligaments as needed. The entire procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition’s complexity.
• Postoperative Care: After the surgery, the small incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips, and a bandage is applied to protect the area. You will be taken to a recovery area and monitored as the anesthesia wears off. Most patients can go home the same day, although you will need someone to drive you home.

Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy

Recovery from ankle arthroscopy is generally faster and less painful than recovery from traditional open surgery. However, following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is essential to ensure proper healing and achieve the best possible outcome.

• Rest and Elevation: In the first few days after surgery, it is essential to rest the ankle and keep it elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing. Applying ice to the ankle can also help reduce inflammation.
• Weight-Bearing: Depending on the specific procedure, your surgeon may recommend crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the ankle for the first few days or weeks after surgery. You will be advised when it is safe to resume weight-bearing activities gradually.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is crucial in recovering after ankle arthroscopy. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to restore the ankle joint’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Rehabilitation exercises may also focus on improving balance and preventing future injuries.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Your surgeon will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the joint is healing properly. During these visits, your surgeon will assess your recovery and guide you on when it is safe to resume normal activities, including sports or other physical activities.
• Return to Activity: Most patients can return to light activities, such as walking, within a few weeks of surgery. However, recovery and return to high-impact activities, such as running or sports, may take several months. Based on your progress, your surgeon and physical therapist will provide a timeline for your return to activity.

Benefits of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy offers several key benefits for patients with ankle injuries or chronic ankle conditions, including:

• Minimally Invasive: Because ankle arthroscopy uses small incisions, it is less invasive than traditional open surgery. This results in more minor scars, less tissue damage, and a faster recovery.
• Less Pain: Patients typically experience less postoperative pain with arthroscopy than with open surgery. The procedure’s minimally invasive nature means there is less trauma to the surrounding tissues.
• Faster Recovery: The recovery period following ankle arthroscopy is generally shorter than with open surgery, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.
• Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment: Arthroscopy allows for a detailed, real-time view of the inside of the ankle joint, enabling the surgeon to accurately diagnose and treat conditions that may not be visible on imaging tests alone.
• Versatility: Ankle arthroscopy can treat a wide variety of ankle conditions, from sports injuries to chronic pain and instability.

Who is a Candidate for Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a suitable treatment option for individuals who experience persistent ankle pain, instability, or limited mobility that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or bracing. It is commonly recommended for:

• Athletes or active individuals who have sustained ankle injuries, such as ligament tears or cartilage damage, that require surgical intervention.
• Patients with chronic ankle pain due to conditions like arthritis, impingement, or synovitis.
• Individuals with ankle instability after repeated sprains or ligament damage.
• Patients with unexplained ankle pain where imaging tests have not provided a precise diagnosis.

During your consultation, our specialists will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine whether ankle arthroscopy is the right treatment option for you.

Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Ankle Arthroscopy?

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy. Here’s why patients choose us:

• Experienced Surgeons: Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists has extensive experience performing ankle arthroscopy, ensuring you receive expert care and the best possible outcome.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: We use the latest arthroscopic technology and surgical techniques to provide minimally invasive treatment with optimal results.
• Personalized Care: Every patient is unique, and we take a customized approach to your treatment plan, tailoring the procedure and recovery plan to meet your specific needs and goals.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Our commitment to your recovery doesn’t end with surgery. We provide comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your ankle.

If you are experiencing chronic ankle pain, instability, or limited mobility, Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how ankle arthroscopy can relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.