Ankle Joint Arthroscopy

What is an Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of the ankle joint. The term ankle endoscopy is also common.

When is an Arthroscopy of the Ankle Carried Out?

If the ankle joint's conservative treatment of symptoms does not lead to an improvement, arthroscopy is often indicated.

Which Diseases of the Ankle Joint Can Be Treated With Arthroscopy?

Osteoarthritis, which is characterized by moderate to moderately advanced wear and tear of the joint cartilage, is one of the most common diseases for arthroscopy.

If conservative treatment is not successful, arthroscopy is also used to treat inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis).

Arthroscopy is also used for removing bone spurs.

The Procedure for Ankle Arthroscopy?

Most ankle arthroscopies are carried out in outpatient settings where the procedure is usually carried out in local or general anesthesia.

A camera and special surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through small incisions in the skin. With these instruments, it is possible to rinse the joint and remove possible loose joint bodies or inflamed synovial membrane.

Ankle Joint Arthroscopy Follow-Up Treatment

Usually, the patient is discharged home a few hours after the surgery.

Pain

To avoid or reduce swelling and pain, the operated leg should be positioned above the heart level (approximately seven times daily). If possible, these phases of elevation are combined with cooling for about 5-10 minutes.

Load Application

Walking on crutches is advisable, to relieve the operated leg in the initial postoperative days.

Inability to Work

Office work can usually be resumed after about 1-2 weeks. Heavy physical work and sports activities should not be resumed earlier than 3-6 weeks after the surgery.

Risks of an Arthroscopy of the Ankle

Due to the minimally invasive treatment method, significant complications are not to be expected. However, the punctures have an increased risk of infection, so contact with water while showering should be avoided. In rare cases, the infection of the wounds can lead to swelling in the wound region.

Which Doctors are Specialized in Ankle Arthroscopy?

Every patient who needs a doctor wants the best medical care. Therefore, the patient is wondering where to find the best clinic. As this question cannot be answered objectively, and a reliable doctor would never claim to be the best one, we can only rely on a doctor's experience.

We help you to find an expert for your illness. All listed doctors and clinics have been checked by us for their outstanding specialization in ankle arthroscopy and are awaiting your inquiry or treatment request.

Sources:

Galla, Mellany et al.: Arthroskopie an Sprunggelenk und Fuß. Stuttgart: Schattauer, 2016

Strobel, Michael: Arthroskopische Chirurgie. Heidelberg: Springer, 1998

Debrunner, Alfred M.: Orthopädie - Orthopädische Chirurgie. 4. Auflage. Bern: Huber, 2005