Total Ankle Replacement Experts in San Antonio

Expert Total Ankle Replacement in San Antonio

What is Ankle Arthroscopy? – A Minimally Invasive Solution for Ankle Pain

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small, soft, flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into the ankle joint by an orthopedic surgeon to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions. The camera projects an image of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair the problem. 

When is Ankle Arthroscopy Needed? – Key Indications

Ankle Arthroscopy, also referred to as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery, has proven to be highly effective in managing various ankle disorders including ankle arthritis, ankle instability, ankle fracture, osteochondral defects of the talus, infection, and undiagnosed ankle pain.

What are the Benefits of Ankle Arthroscopy?

The benefits of arthroscopy compared to the alternative, open ankle surgery, include:

  • Smaller incisions

  • Minimal soft tissue trauma

  • Less pain

  • Faster healing time

  • Lower infection rate

  • Less scarring

  • Earlier mobilization

  • Shorter hospital stay

Ankle Arthroscopy Procedure Details

  • Preoperative Preparation - To assess joint damage, patients undergo X-rays or CT scans. Surgery readiness is ensured through blood tests, medication adjustments, and consultations with an orthopedic surgeon. To optimize healing and reduce surgical risks, patients may need to stop smoking and adjust certain medications.

  • Surgical Steps - Your orthopedic surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions around the ankle joint. Through one of the incisions, an arthroscope is inserted. Along with it, a sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand the joint area and create room for your surgeon to work. The larger image displayed on the television monitor allows your surgeon to visualize the joint directly and determine the extent of damage so that it can be surgically treated. Surgical instruments will be inserted through the other tiny incisions to treat the problem. After the surgery, the instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed and covered with a bandage. 

Post-Surgical Care Following Ankle Arthroscopy

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. The ankle joint will be immobilized with a splint or cast. The nature and duration of immobilization will depend on the type of repair performed and the preference of the surgeon. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry during the healing process. Patients may be prescribed pain medication for the management of pain. Elevation of the ankle and ice application helps to reduce pain and swelling. Follow your post-operative instructions for the best outcome.

Potential Risks and Complications of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure and the incidence of complications is low. However, as with any surgery, risks and complications can occur. Some associated risks with ankle surgery can include:

  • Infection - After surgery, there is a small risk of infection, which can cause redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage around the incision site; early detection and antibiotics can prevent serious complications.

  • Implant Loosening or Wear: Implants can loosen over time, causing pain, instability, or revision surgery; regular follow-ups help monitor implant integrity.

  • Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: Although rare, surgical procedures around the ankle joint could damage nearby nerves or blood vessels, causing numbness, weakness, or circulation problems.

  • Blood Clots: Reduced mobility after surgery increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be prevented by moving early, using compression devices, and taking blood thinners if necessary.

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