Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedure. Due to its small incisions and clear video images, arthroscopy renders accurate treatments, allows quick recovery, and helps foot and ankle surgeons better plan treatment options.
Let’s learn more about this innovative and highly successful outpatient procedure and where you can go for ankle joint arthroscopy in RI and MA.
Just What Does Ankle Joint Arthroscopy Involve?
Ankle joint arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the foot and ankle doctor makes three to four small incisions to insert a lighted tube equipped with a miniature video camera. With real-time images, the physician can see joint structure, including injured and degraded bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and more.
Because the doctor uses miniaturized instruments, patients need only local anesthesia, few sutures, and minimal tissue disruption. As such, downtime is reduced, and patients recover quickly, returning to normal activities within days. Complications are the exception, and the whole procedure typically takes less than one hour to complete. Patients return home the very same day.
Afterward, most people benefit from some post-operative rest, over-the-counter pain meds, light bandaging, and sometimes, a walking boot or splint to support and offload some body weight. Physical therapy is individualized to manage pain and improve flexibility, strength, and endurance, so it is a must-have for all ankle joint arthroscopy patients.
What Are the Uses of Ankle Joint Arthroscopy?
Ankle joint arthroscopy is a very versatile diagnostic and treatment tool in the hands of an experienced and highly skilled foot and ankle surgeon. Doctors recommend the procedure for:
- Repair of ankle instability (after multiple ankle sprains) and some fractures and sprains
- Removal of bone fragments
- Repair of nerve impingement, ligament tears, and tendon ruptures (the Achilles tendon as an example)
- Debridement of arthritic ankles (to improve flexibility) and removal of scar tissue
- Treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as tendonitis
- Treatment of ankle joint dislocations
Could Arthroscopy Help Me?
If you are in good overall health, you could qualify for treatment with ankle arthroscopy. Your podiatrist will discuss your symptoms, do a physical exam and digital imaging and review your medical history to determine the benefits of this innovative procedure.
In general, ankle joint arthroscopy produces far less stiffness and discomfort than open ankle surgeries. Surgical outcomes and long-term results are good. Patients are up and around and back to their usual routines quickly.
Ankle Arthroscopy in RI and MA
If you’re considering an ankle arthroscopy, you can rely on the experts of the Foot & Ankle Institute of New England.Our board-certified podiatrists and surgeon have expertise in medical and surgical podiatric care, as well as comprehensive podiatry services and solutions to help patients of all ages suffering from a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
To learn more about ankle joint arthroscopy and our other podiatric services, call the office nearest you, in Warwick, Rhode Island; Middletown, Rhode Island; or Fall River, Massachusetts. If you would like to schedule a consultation, use our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you at our office soon.
