Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is a specialized technique used for viewing the insides of the joint. The procedure of this type of surgery is similar to other arthroscopic surgeries. A very tiny instrument called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint through minute incisions. These minute incisions are peculiar characteristics of arthroscopic surgery, minimizing the post-surgical complication of scar appearance. Another benefit of arthroscopic surgery is that the recovery process is very quick and therefore, the patient has to spend less time at the hospital. This is advantageous over general open surgeries where the person can resume his/her work only after the wound gets healed up.
Why is Ankle Arthroscopy Done?
Ankle Arthroscopy is recommended when the traditional or non-surgical methods of diagnosis and treatment fail. The surgeon will then recommend the patient should undergo ankle arthroscopy surgery to get the problem diagnosed properly. Following are some problems that can b addressed with the help of ankle arthroscopy-
- Ankle arthritis
- Ankle fracture(s)
- Ankle instability
- Athlete’s ankle/Footballer’s ankle or Anterior ankle impingement
- Arthrofibrosis
- Infection/sepsis
Procedure
- After the administration of the right anesthesia, the surgeon will introduce arthroscopy through a small incision in the ankle.
- This option/arthroscope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room.
- This allows the surgeon to see the inside of the ankle. Check all ankle tissues. These tissues include cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
- To repair any damaged network, the surgeon will make one to three more small incisions and introduces other instruments through them.
- At the end of the operation, the incision is sutured with a needle and closed with a bandage.
Complications
The possible complications of ankle arthroscopy include-
- Formation of blood clots
- Hemorrhage or internal bleeding
- Sepsis/infection
- Damage to adjoining muscles or tissues