Arthroscopy of the ankle joint

Make an appointment now - to the doctor who performs this procedure in our hospital

Types of ankle arthroscopy

Among the types of arthroscopy, there is a division according to the place of the procedure - anterior and posterior arthroscopy.

Most often, when using the term "ankle arthroscopy" we mean the upper ankle joint, but it must also be remembered that procedures are also performed in the subtalar joint, in other words, in the lower ankle joint.

Indications for ankle arthroscopy

Thanks to arthroscopy, most tissue pathologies within the joint can be cured, including the most common ones:

bone conflict or soft tissue conflict - anterior or posterior,
cartilage damage,
osteo-chondral defect (OCD), also known as osteochondrosis,
some ligament ruptures,
displaced ankle bone fracture,
degeneration as part of the arthroscopic stiffening procedure of the joint
conflict of fold or scarring after injuries,
removal of the Stied process or triangular ankle.

In our hospital, we also perform arthroscopically very complex procedures for the reconstruction of cartilage and cartilage and bone defects in the joint. In Poland and in the world, most of the ankle bone cartilage reconstruction procedures are performed classically - open, often with medial or lateral ankle osteotomy (i.e. bone cutting and then twisting with screws or a plate).

We have our own proven methods and tools dedicated to this type of operations, thanks to which it is possible.

Arthroscopic ankle surgery can be performed to remove the remains of the articular cartilage in the joint - as part of the procedure of stiffening the ankle or ankle joint, upper and lower - the so-called double ankle arthrodesis. We perform such operations in order to overgrow the joint (its stiffening) and therefore the remission of unpleasant ailments related to degeneration of the ankle joint.).

Ankle arthroscopy is rarely performed on people under 12 years of age. Likewise, ankle surgery is not performed in the case of lesions that predict spontaneous healing or rehabilitation treatment. We avoid performing the procedure on patients who do not understand their disease. The same is the case when the patient does not understand that after the procedure one has to follow certain recommendations and undergo professional rehabilitation.

Preparation for arthroscopy

Appropriate preparation for the procedure should begin approximately 14 days before the scheduled date of arthroscopy. The tests that should be performed include, among others: morphology, electrolyte and sugar levels, liver tests and ECG and chest X-ray. Usually, the patient is able to complete all formalities within one day.

If the patient is treated chronically, it will be necessary to consult a specialist who may order additional tests. Before the arthroscopy itself, a short visit to the anesthesiologist is also compulsory. He will rule out any contraindications, choose the appropriate method of anesthesia, and answer all questions related to anesthesia.

There is no need to perform other tests, unless they have been ordered by a doctor. You should be on an empty stomach just before the operation. The last light meal can be eaten about 6 hours before the procedure. Consumption of liquids is prohibited for approximately 5 hours prior to arthroscopy.

The course of arthroscopy of the ankle joint

Ankle arthroscopy is performed as part of a one-day surgery procedure. In most cases, the procedure is performed under spinal anesthesia, i.e. with an injection into the spine that anesthetizes one or both lower limbs. Much less often, mostly for medical reasons, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

The doctor carrying out the procedure carefully discusses the course of the operation with the patient and explains all necessary procedures. The same doctor performs the operation and continues to conduct the operation after the procedure. There is never such certainty on the way of qualification and operations within the National Health Fund - both in terms of the time of execution, the operator and the type of procedure performed.

When starting an ankle arthroscopy, the doctor makes two to four incisions, 5 to 8 mm in diameter. He introduces a very high-resolution camera and appropriate arthroscopic tools into the pond. Thanks to multiple magnification and the use of saline solution, the surgeon sees the inside of the operated joint much more accurately than in the case of an open run.

Most often, the patient is conscious during the procedure and it is possible to show the patient some changes, damaged structures, if the situation requires it.

The duration of arthroscopy is influenced by many factors, so the procedure time is between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours in more difficult cases.

Rehabilitation after ankle arthroscopy

The course of the rehabilitation process largely depends on the patient himself and his correct approach to the treatment process. At the Dworska Hospital, both during the preparation for the procedure and in the operating room, doctors explain exactly what actions they are going to take and what they are for. Thanks to the subject, the patient's awareness of the disease and the rehabilitation technique is very high.

Even a perfectly performed operation does not guarantee that the treatment success will be complete. Much depends on the involvement of the patient himself. Following the recommendations of the doctor and physiotherapist has a huge impact on the length and effectiveness of the entire treatment process. The patient should be aware that properly conducted rehabilitation is as important as properly performed surgery.

At the Dworska Hospital, immediately after the procedure, the Game-Ready device is used, which accelerates, significantly reduces swelling and operating pain, thus accelerating the start of early rehabilitation. Game-Ready is a special device worn on the leg, which at the same time compresses and effectively cools the operated area. This is one of the things that distinguish the Dworska Hospital from other medical institutions.

At the Dworska Hospital, great emphasis is placed on the constant presence of physiotherapists who demonstrate the basic principles of independent exercise in the first few hours and, if necessary, teach the patient to stand up and move around with a crutch.

The patient receives painkillers and anticoagulants for several days after the procedure. In order to avoid the risk of an increase in postoperative hematoma, it is recommended to limit physical activity to the minimum necessary in the first days after surgery.

After a correctly performed arthroscopy, the patient should move around with a crutch for about 2-3 weeks. Usually, however, full load on the operated leg is possible already a week after the surgery, when the sutures closing the postoperative wound are removed. The time it takes for the patient to reach full fitness depends largely on the size of the damage and the extent of the operation itself. Usually, the rehabilitation process does not exceed 6 weeks.

Important information

Frequently asked questions about ankle arthroscopy