When is Arthroscopy Recommended?
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive way to perform ankle fusion. In fact, this is a typical treatment for patients with ankle arthritis.
Ankle Fractures
In addition, along with open techniques of fracture repair, this procedure helps to ensure normal alignment of bone and cartilage.
Ankle Pain
Arthroscopy also allows the surgeon to determine what is causing ankle pain.
Anterior Ankle Impingement
Anterior Ankle Impingement is also known as an athlete’s ankle or footballer’s ankle. This condition occurs when bone or soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint becomes inflamed. So, this results in ankle pain and swelling. The ankle Arthroscopy procedure, however, is used to shave away inflamed tissues and bone spurs.
Arthrofibrosis
Scar tissue forms within the ankle often after surgery. This often results in a painful and stiff joint. However, arthroscopy is used in identifying and removing scar tissue.
Cartilage injuries
In addition to this procedure being used to diagnose cartilage and bone injuries, it's also used to repair them.
Infection
When there is an infection in the joint, treating with only antibiotics isn't possible. Often it requires urgent surgery to wash out the joint. This is accomplished with ankle arthroscopy.
Ligament Tears
In a few words, a ligament is a band of tissue that connects bone to bone. Several ligaments in the ankle help keep it stable and enable movement. Arthroscopy is often used to repair torn ligaments.
Loose Fragments
Pieces of bone, cartilage, and scar tissue inside the ankle are called loose fragments. They can cause the joint to lock up. Loose bodies can also be painful and can cause problems, such as clicking and catching. However, with the use of arthroscopy, these fragments can be removed.
Synovitis
This occurs when synovial tissue (soft tissue of the ankle joint) becomes inflamed. Thus causing pain and swelling. This occurs by injury, joint overuse, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Ankle arthroscopy can help to surgically remove the inflamed tissue.
