# Ankle Arthroscopy

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/ankle-arthroscopy/
- Published: 2019-01-15T17:10:06-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

Ankle Arthroscopy

# Ankle Arthroscopy Treatment in Spartanburg, Duncan and Greenville, SC

 [Contact Us](https://carolinaona.com/contact-locations/)

### Ankle Arthroscopy Overview

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that treats a variety of ankle
injuries and conditions. A fiber optic camera or arthroscope is used to visualize
the ankle joint and tiny surgical instruments are used to make repairs. Carolina
Orthopaedics and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) foot and ankle specialists are
ankle arthroscopy experts.

## **How is ankle arthroscopy performed?**

Outpatient ankle arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. A CONA specialist:

 1. **_Begins surgery. _**The arthroscope is carefully guided into the ankle joint.
    The joint is viewed on a nearby television monitor.
 2. **_Makes repairs._** Tiny instruments are used to repair damaged soft tissues, 
    cartilage and/or bone.
 3. **_Ends surgery._** Dissolvable sutures close soft tissue layers. Removeable sutures
    close the skin.

The ankle is placed in a splint or removable boot for immobilization and protection
purposes. Total procedure time depends on the type of procedure. The CONA specialist
tells the patient about how long their procedure will last during a consultation.

## **What conditions can ankle arthroscopy treat?**

Ankle arthroscopy treats a variety of ankle injuries and conditions that were once
only treated with nonsurgical or open incision treatment options:

 * Bone spurs
 * Cartilage tears
 * Ligament impingement
 * Loose bodies
 * Microfractures
 * Osteochondral lesions

These are effectively treated and patients return to normal activities with minimal
to no restrictions.

## **What are ankle arthroscopy advantages?**

Ankle arthroscopy is the ideal treatment option for patients who have an ankle injury
or condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment but is not serious enough
for open incision surgery. Key advantages include:

 * Less post-surgical pain
 * Minimal downtime
 * Quicker recovery

 Patients who need physical therapy are able to start early in the recovery process
and quickly regain ankle strength and flexibility.

## **What is ankle arthroscopy recovery like?**

Procedure type determines the recovery process. CONA specialists explain every recovery
process step in detail during a consultation.