About Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle joint issues. Small incisions are made to insert a camera (arthroscope) and specialised instruments, allowing the surgeon to view and address damaged tissues. Post-surgery, physical therapy is commonly recommended to help the ankle regain strength, flexibility, and function.

Common Symptoms After Ankle Arthroscopy

Following ankle arthroscopy, some symptoms may arise as part of the healing process:

• Swelling and Bruising: It’s normal for the ankle to be swollen and bruised for several days to a few weeks after surgery.

• Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain is common and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Stiffness: The ankle may feel stiff or tight, limiting movement for a few weeks.

• Limited Range of Motion: Temporary difficulty moving the ankle is common due to swelling and stiffness.

• Numbness or Tingling: Some may experience temporary numbness or tingling around the ankle, often due to nerve irritation.

• Infection Signs: Redness, warmth, or increasing pain at the incision site could indicate an infection, which should be reported to a doctor.

Causes for Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is typically performed to address several ankle joint conditions, including:

• Ankle Injuries: Fractures, sprains, or ligament tears can damage the joint, causing chronic pain or instability.

• Ankle Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can wear down cartilage, causing pain and limited movement. Arthroscopy can remove inflamed tissue or loose cartilage fragments.

• Loose Bodies: Small bone or cartilage fragments can become loose in the joint, leading to pain or a “catching” sensation, which can be resolved with arthroscopy.

• Tendon or Ligament Damage: Arthroscopy allows for repair of torn or overstretched ligaments and tendons, improving stability.

• Impingement Syndrome: Soft tissue may become pinched between bones, causing pain and swelling, which can be relieved through arthroscopy.

Risks of Ankle Arthroscopy

While generally safe, ankle arthroscopy has some risks:

• Infection: Small risk at incision sites or within the joint.

• Bleeding: Rarely, excessive bleeding may occur.

• Blood Clots: Risk of blood clots in the leg, which can be serious.

• Nerve Damage: Temporary or permanent numbness or tingling if nerves are affected.

• Joint Stiffness: Stiffness in the ankle can limit movement after surgery.

• Damage to Structures: Possibility of accidental injury to tendons, cartilage, or blood vessels.

Benefits of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy offers many advantages over open surgery:

• Minimally Invasive: Small incisions mean less pain and faster healing.

• Quick Recovery: Shorter recovery period allows a quicker return to daily activities.

• Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear view of the ankle joint for precise diagnosis.

• Effective Treatment: Repairs damaged tissues, removes loose fragments, and treats arthritis.

• Minimal Scarring: Small incisions result in minimal scarring.

• Lower Infection Risk: Small cuts reduce the risk of infection compared to open surgery.

Procedure of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy involves several steps:

1. Preparation: The patient receives anaesthesia, which may be general (asleep) or local (numbs only the ankle).

2. Small Incisions: Two or three small cuts, a few millimetres each, are made around the ankle.

3. Inserting the Arthroscope: The arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to view the joint on a screen.

4. Using Surgical Tools: Through the other incisions, specialised instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissues, bone fragments, or cartilage. This may include ligament repair, shaving down bone spurs, or removing inflamed tissue.

5. Completing the Procedure: After treating the problem, the surgeon removes the camera and instruments, and then closes the incisions with stitches or bandages.

6. Recovery: The procedure generally takes about an hour, and patients can usually go home the same day. Post-surgery care includes rest, ice, and medication to manage pain and swelling, as well as physical therapy to restore ankle strength and movement.