Ankle Arthroscopy
What is Ankle Arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy is a procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat damage to the ankle joint. The procedure is minimally invasive due to the use of a very thin, fiberoptic camera that is inserted through small incisions around the ankle. Images received from the camera can be magnified for projection onto a screen viewed by the orthopedist. This type of surgery can allow surgeons to better diagnose and treat ankle conditions as well as allowing for a quicker, easier recovery for patients.
Ankle Arthroscopy Diagnosis
Ankle problems can be difficult to diagnose through a traditional clinical examination. Ankle arthroscopy is useful in diagnosing the cause of ankle pain and problems. It can be used to successfully evaluate the extent of arthritis or scar tissue formation or in determining the amount of damage to cartilage. Using the fiberoptic camera and small specialized tools, orthopedic surgeons can diagnose a variety of conditions such as osteochondral defect (OCD), which are areas of damaged cartilage and bone; posterior ankle impingement or synovitis involving inflammation; or other unexplained ankle problems. Arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to make these diagnoses when the underlying problems cannot be seen through clinical examination or through using diagnostic tools such as X-rays.
What Happens During Ankle Arthroscopy Treatment?
Once the problem has been determined and a diagnosis has been made, the orthopedic surgeon will develop a treatment plan. Patients will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking on the day of surgery. The doctor will advise as to what to do regarding any medications being taken.
The surgery is performed in an operating room with the patient under anesthesia. The ankle is cleaned, sterilized, and the areas where incisions will be made are marked. Small tubes will be placed in the incisions to guide the camera and surgical instruments used by the surgeon to correct the problems within the ankle joint. Upon completion of the procedure, all instruments will be removed, the incisions will be stitched, and the foot will be dressed in a sterile bandage.
Ankle Arthroscopy Recovery Process
Following surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room to be monitored until regaining consciousness. It is required to have a friend or family member available for a ride home following surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed, and the patient should elevate and ice the affected ankle to treat any pain or swelling that is normal following surgery. The ankle should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Depending on the specific surgery, the patient may need a cast and to remain off the feet for several weeks, or he or she may be able to walk using crutches shortly after surgery. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check progress of the joint, remove sutures, and discuss the possibility of physical therapy.
Why Choose TVH for Ankle Arthroscopy?
Treasure Valley Hospital is Idaho’s #1 physician-owned hospital. Our highly qualified doctors provide personal, compassionate care at a lower cost. Our former patients agree that Treasure Valley Hospital is the place to go for the best care before, during, and after surgery.
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