What Is Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy?
Foot and ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that repairs and treats disorders of the foot and ankle joint. Arthroscopy involves the use of a small, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end called an arthroscope.
The arthroscope is inserted into the foot or ankle joint through a tiny incision and projects an image of the inside of your foot onto a large screen. Your surgeon uses this live video feed to evaluate and diagnose your condition and to perform the surgery.
How Is Arthroscopy Performed?
Arthroscopy on the foot and ankle is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home on the same day of surgery. First, your surgeon will make two to three incisions on your foot near the treatment site. The surgeon inserts an arthroscope into one of the incisions to provide a clear view of the structures in your foot or ankle joint.
Next, your surgeon will inspect all your cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments, and insert various surgical instruments into the other incisions to perform the surgery. In some instances, the surgeon may remove damaged tissues through the incisions.
At the end of surgery, the surgeon will close your incisions and cover them with bandages. Your surgeon may also show you photos or video clips of your procedure so you can see how your condition was repaired and treated. Foot and ankle arthroscopy takes about one hour to perform.
Which Conditions Can Be Treated With Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy can treat a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions. Conditions that may be treated with this procedure include:
- Ankle pain. Arthroscopy can help your surgeon identify and treat the source of ankle pain.
- Ligament tears. Your surgeon may use arthroscopy to repair torn ligaments in the foot or ankle and to improve problems with instability.
- Ankle impingement. Your surgeon may perform arthroscopy to remove swollen and inflamed tissues in your ankle contributing to ankle impingement or problems with movement and function.
- Scar tissue. The provider may remove excess scar tissue during arthroscopy to treat tendinosis and symptoms, including loss of muscle strength and tingling, numbness and/or weakness in the foot or ankle.
- Arthritis. Arthroscopy may help reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.
- Cartilage injuries. The surgeon may use arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged cartilage in the foot or ankle.
- Loose fragments. The provider may remove any errant bones or cartilage causing joint problems in the ankle during arthroscopy.
What Are the Benefits of Foot and Ankle Arthroscopy?
Minimally invasive surgeries such as foot and ankle arthroscopy offer a large number of benefits over open surgery. Compared with open foot and ankle surgery, arthroscopy promotes:
- Smaller incisions
- Minimal blood loss
- Less pain
- Faster healing and recovery
- Minimal downtime
- Reduced risk of complications
- Less trauma to soft tissues
- Minimal scarring
- Increased strength
- Pain relief
- Restored range of motion
What Is Recovery Like?
Total recovery from foot and ankle arthroscopy usually takes a few months, though the recovery timeline will vary for each person based on factors including the type and severity of the foot condition.
Soreness and stiffness in the foot and ankle are normal for the first few days after surgery, and you may be given crutches to use during the initial healing phase. Your surgeon may encourage you to walk slowly, ice and elevate your foot periodically to reduce ankle pain and swelling.
Your provider may also recommend physical therapy to help you rebuild strength and increase range of motion. You may be able to resume sports activities within a few months, as long as you adhere to your post-surgery recovery plan.
University Orthopaedic Associates offers foot and ankle care and a wide range of other orthopaedic services. Contact the foot and ankle specialists at UOA at (732) 537-0909 to request an appointment if you need treatment for an orthopaedic injury.
