Ankle arthroscopy

 

Alternative Names

Ankle surgery

Definition

Ankle arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera and surgical tools to examine or repair the tissues inside or around your ankle. The camera is called an arthroscope. The procedure allows the doctor to detect problems and make repairs to your ankle without making larger cuts in the skin and tissue. This means that you may have less pain and recover more quickly.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for these ankle problems:

  • Ankle pain: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to explore what is causing your ankle pain.
  • Ligament tears: A ligament is a band of tissue that connects bone to bone. Several ligaments in the ankle help keep it stable and allow it to move. Torn ligaments can be repaired with this type of surgery.
  • Ankle impingement: Tissues in your ankle can become swollen and sore from overuse. This makes it hard to move the joint. Arthroscopy can remove the tissue so you can move your joint.
  • Scar tissue:This can form after an injury to the ankle. This surgery can remove scar tissue.
  • Arthritis: Arthroscopy can be used to help reduce pain and improve movement.
  • Cartilage injuries: This surgery can be used to diagnose or repair cartilage and bone injuries.

Risks

Risks of general anesthesia are:

  • Allergic reactions to medicines
  • Breathing problems

Risks of ankle arthroscopy are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clot
  • Failure of surgery to relieve symptoms
  • Failure of repair to heal
  • Weakness of the ankle
  • Injury to tendon, blood vessel, or nerve

Before the Procedure

Tell your health care provider what medicines you are taking. This includes medicines, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

  • You may be asked to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other medicines.
  • Ask your health care provider which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
  • If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon will ask you to see your doctor who treats you for these conditions.
  • Tell your health care provider if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol, more than 1 or 2 drinks a day.
  • If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your health care provider or nurse for help. Smoking can slow wound and bone healing.
  • Tell your doctor about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.

On the day of surgery:

  • You will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Take the medicines your health care provider told you to take with a small sip of water.
  • Your health care provider will tell you when to arrive at the hospital. Be sure to arrive on time.

After the Procedure

  • You can usually go home the same day after you recover from the anesthesia. You should have someone drive you home.
  • Keep your ankle elevated above your heart for two to three days to help reduce swelling and pain. You can also apply cold packs to reduce swelling.
  • Keep your bandage clean and dry. Your health care provider can show you how to change the dressing.
  • You can take pain relievers, if needed, as long as your doctor says it's safe to do so.
  • You'll need to use a walker or crutches and keep weight off your foot.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Arthroscopy uses small cuts in the skin. Compared to regular surgery, you may have:

  • Less pain and stiffness
  • Fewer complications
  • Faster recovery

The small cuts will heal quickly, and you may be able to resume your normal activities in a few days. However, if your doctor had to repair a lot of tissue in your ankle, it may take several weeks to heal. How quickly you heal depends on how complicated the surgery was.

You may be shown how to do gentle exercises as you heal. Or, your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist to help you regain the full use of your ankle.

References

Ishikawa S. Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 50.

Miller M, Hart J. Surgical Principles. In DeLee, JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2009:chap 2.

Review Date: 5/15/2013
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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