Arthroscopy surgery is not a very well-known procedure. It’s not a treatment you hear about quite often, but it is vital to the people who need it. Arthroscopy has been used in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic problems that affect the different joints in the body.
One of the most common joints that can be evaluated using arthroscopy is the ankle joint. This minimally invasive procedure is an innovative medical treatment that has helped treat and cures various types of orthopedic problems. It involves the use of a small camera that is inserted via a fiberoptic cable into your body.
This camera will give the surgeon a complete visualization of the area that needs to be treated without having to make an incision.
What Can This Procedure Be Used For?
In ankle arthroscopy, a small camera is used to transmit images of the interior of the ankle including the bones, ligaments, and muscles to a screen so that a surgeon can better understand an underlying issue.
This procedure has been used to diagnose various disorders of the ankle joint and find the best way to treat them. Patients with chronic ankle pain have experienced relief after undergoing arthroscopic ankle surgery.
Conditions Targeted by an Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy can help surgeons identify ankle arthritis, ankle impingement, synovitis, fractures, instability, arthrofibrosis, osteochondral defect, injury, and loose bodies. These are the most common conditions that can be identified with this procedure, but arthroscopy can be used to detect any kind of problem affecting the ankle, including edema, ecchymosis, and internal trauma.
The Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery Procedure
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve making large incisions. The procedure is also easy for your surgeon to conduct so you won’t have to spend a lot of time on the operation table. Your surgeon will use local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The amount of time you spend during recovery is also minimized.
During the procedure, small tubes will be placed in various spots through small incisions around your ankle. These will serve as channels for the camera and instruments to enter the ankle. Once the camera is fed into the ankle, your surgeon will have a clear vision of the interior, including the cartilage, muscles, and bones.
Depending on the issue, a specific procedure will be conducted. Once it is completed, the camera, instruments, and tubes will be removed. The incisions are then closed and the ankle is bandaged.
If the issue is major, the ankle arthroscopy may be conducted as a preliminary procedure to better understand the situation and determine the right action and procedure to alleviate the problem.
Ankle arthroscopy is a state-of-the-art technique that is proof of the innovative strides the medical sector has taken to benefit patients and improve their health and wellbeing. Depending on your issue, you may experience no downtime at all.
If you’re facing any issues regarding your ankle, consult your surgeon and determine if arthroscopic ankle surgery is the right procedure for you.
Contact Our Office
Having issues with your ankle can be a problem that affects every aspect of your lifestyle. If you feel like there are issues with your ankles, it is important that you get it checked out as soon as possible. Dr. Kevin James, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, can help you solve the problems with your ankles. Contact our office to find relief today.
