Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a true minimally invasive surgery in Orthopaedics. It is a process of performing surgery with the use of a small specialized camera to allow visualization of the inside of the joint. This "microscopic" camera is placed through a tiny incision, which allows the surgeon to directly observe the inside of the joint, evaluate numerous key anatomic structures and helps verify the safe placement of other specialized instruments. These special instruments are also placed through tiny incisions and will be used to perform the surgical procedure of choice. Typically only 3 or 4 incisions are used.

This form of surgery has been rapidly expanding in its utility over the last few decades, offering a faster, safer and far less painful alternative to many traditional methods of surgery. Arthroscopy was first implemented for routine use in the knee, and has grown to be used in nearly every joint in the body from the hip to the fingers. It also allows for a more rapid recovery and carries fewer risks typically than the traditional "open" or larger surgical procedures. Most orthopaedic surgeons have received some training in arthroscopic surgery and will use it when indicated in their practice. However, the trained sports medicine surgeon has undergone specialized and focused training in this surgical technique and uses this as their primary surgical tool for most procedures.

Ankle arthroscopy is utilized much less frequently than knee or shoulder arthroscopy, but it still remains a valuable tool in treating many ankle conditions. Traditional thought was that the joint was too difficult to access with the arthroscope to have much utility, but as our technology has improved and our experience has progressed, ankle arthroscopy has become more common. It is used for diagnostic purposes only on a limited basis as successful outcomes have occurred in this setting less than 50% of the time. However if the diagnosis is known in advance, then the procedure can be quite successful.

Ankle arthroscopy has been indicated in the treatment of Injuries to the cartilage surfaces and underlying bone (osteochondral defects), anterior ankle impingement, removal of loose bodies and synovectomies (removal of inflammation), treatment of some ankle fractures, treatment of joint infections, removal of scar tissue, and assistance in arthrodesis (ankle fusion).