Ankle Arthroscopy

The Definition of Arthroscopy

 
Arthroscopy, also called arthroscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damaged interior joints are performed using an arthroscope, which is a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopaedic conditions. The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, only two small incisions are made, one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissues.


Symptoms

Symptoms may include: pain, swelling, decreased walking ability, clicking of the ankle joint.


Treatment

With the use of small arthroscopic instrumentation, the ankle joint can be entered via 2 or 3 very small incisions. Many internal joint problems can be treated with this minimally invasive method, as well as the diagnostic value of the procedure. In most cases, the patient can fully weight bear the same day as the procedure.