This procedure uses an instrument called an arthroscope which enables the surgeon to have a closer look inside your ankle. Some injuries or diseases of the ankle joint can be treated in this way by keyhole techniques.
Before your Operation
You may have to attend a pre-admission appointment to assess your suitability for anaesthesia. At this appointment you will also be given a fasting instructions leaflet.
On the Day of Surgery
Before the operation you will be asked to wash your ankle.This is a day case procedure. You will be in hospital between four and seven hours.
Following your Operation
When you return from theatre your ankle will be bandaged and elevated. The findings and treatment during the operation will determine whether you will be allowed to stand unaided or will need crutches.
Risks Involved
There may be some bleeding into the dressing. Small nerves to the skin may be damaged causing some (often temporary) numbness. Infection is very rare but does occur and if pain increases or your temperature goes up, don't hesitate to contact the hospital or your GP. You may get a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or even a pulmonary embolism.
Results
Results of the surgery will depend on what the surgeon finds during the procedure. Most patients do well between 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Benefits
After surgery you should be reasonably free of pain but do remember that symptoms can take up to 6 weeks or more to resolve.
Alternatives to this Procedure
Physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the ankle musculature might prove beneficial. Corticosteroid injections can temporarily ease the pain but recurrence is common.