Ankle Arthroscopy – Procedure and Recovery
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure
that is used to treat different kinds of joint issues. It is a popular treatment
method for patients with joint problems as it uses a minimally invasive method
to treat the condition.
What Kind of Ankle Problems
Can Be Treated with Arthroscopy?
Some common causes of ankle issues are
accidents and injuries. Ankle arthroscopy may be advised in the following cases:
- When a fracture does not cause a clean break and even after the larger bones set, there is debris around the area which causes pain and inflammation.
- When there is ligament damage after a bad sprain.
- When there is tissue and tendon damage around the ankle due to wear and tear.
What Does an Arthroscopic
Procedure Entail?
The procedure is usually done in an
operating theater. The ankle is numbed locally with an anesthetic. A small
incision is made in the ankle and a fiber optic camera is inserted into the
incision. With the help of the camera, small surgical tools will be used to
perform this procedure. The incisions will be closed up and bandaged after the
procedure is over. Arthroscopy helps in a speedier recovery while minimizing
scarring. Complications too are fewer than open surgery.
Also Read: Treating an ankle sprain
Recovery from Ankle Arthroscopy
The recovery time after an ankle
arthroscopy will depend on how fast the ankle heals and how bad the injury was.
The podiatrist may recommend the use of crutches for a while to lessen the
weight on the ankle. Sometimes, in the case of a severe injury, the patient may
be placed in an immobilizer for as long as five to six weeks. If the arthroscopic
remodeling involved extensive surgery, the podiatrist may have the leg encased
in a cast to prevent movement and promote healing. Medication may be prescribed
after surgery to help manage pain and inflammation.
The podiatrist will then give a rehabilitation plan to be followed for
complete recovery.
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