Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure where a small diagnostic camera (2.7mm) is inserted into the ankle joint, through a small incision allowing the surgeon to evaluate the inside of the joint. This is minimally invasive procedure usually requiring two small sutures to close the incision. While the surgeon is directly visualizing the inside of the joint, certain pathologies may be able to treated at the same time, with the use of additional small instruments.
The procedure is useful when other diagnostic studies as cat scans, x-rays, and MRI, do not demonstrate obvious pathology. The most common conditions treated are chronic pain and inflammation after injury, arthritis, and small fractures and bone chips.
Ankle arthroscopy is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation, on an outpatient basis. There is minimal discomfort after such a procedure and typically the patient can bear weight immediately after surgery.
For additional information on this subject, please contact our office to set-up a consultation with a doctor.
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