Answers to Common Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery Questions

The term "scoping the ankle" or "scope a joint" applies to an arthroscopic ankle surgery or arthroscopy. It is a procedure where surgeons use advanced technology, such as a scoping camera, to facilitate the repair or removal of a damaged joint. 

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about this procedure.

1. When does a patient really need ankle arthroscopic surgery? 

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this procedure helps with the final diagnosis of an ankle injury and might even be more accurate than an X-ray or an open or traditional surgery. 

Arthroscopic surgery is performed by our experienced orthopedic surgeon in Boca Raton. There are many reasons why patients may need this procedure.

If you've been having painful episodes in your ankle that haven't responded to treatments or if your doctor can't quite determine the cause of the ankle pain, then you might need to undergo an ankle arthroscopy surgery. If you often experience arthritis and inflammation, arthroscopy could also be done to repair the damage. You might need the surgery if you're losing stability and motion in your ankle.

2. What happens during the actual ankle arthroscopy surgery?

An ankle arthroscopy surgery is usually done during the day by our skilled orthopedic surgeon in Boca Raton and could be finished in a little over an hour. However, the patient will have to be under general anesthetics the whole time. 

While the patient is asleep, the doctor will examine the ankle muscles through the scoping camera. A small incision will be made to allow the camera and any other instruments into the ankle. When everything is set, the necessary treatments to the ankle pain will be carried out before the surgeon cleans, stitches up, and applies the bandages.

3. How fast is the recovery after ankle arthroscopy surgery?

Patients can go home after the surgery but they will need some assistance leaving the hospital. They will also be asked to wear surgical boots and use crutches during recovery until the doctor tells otherwise. Ankle arthroscopic surgery is so effective that 85 to 95 percent of patients make a full recovery. 

The surgical dressing may be removed within 24 hours but the patient might notice some swelling on the ankles. As advised by experts in orthopedics in Boca Raton, the patient must keep the stitches dry and covered until the incision is completely closed.

For as long as patients are comfortable and able, they can return to work after an all-clear signal from the doctor. If the job requires prolonged standing, walking or climbing up and down the stairs, some restrictions might have to be imposed until the surgery wounds have completely healed. 

Learn more about the best services in orthopedics, Boca Raton

Orthopaedic Surgery Associates has helped many orthopedic patients improve their health and quality of life throughout the years. We have qualified specialists and state-of-the-art technology to give you the best healthcare service, so you are in good hands. For more information, you can request an appointment or call us at (561) 395-5733.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.