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An ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed as a day case procedure under a general anaesthetic, usually combined with a local anaesthetic ankle block that minimises the amount of general anaesthetic required and gives excellent pain relief after the operation.
The procedure involves Dr Singh making small incisions around the ankle joint to allow for the insertion of a small camera and surgical instruments. The camera allows visualisation of the inside of the joint, while the instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue, treating the underlying problem with your ankle at the same time.
Ankle arthroscopy can be highly effective in treating certain conditions of the ankle joint, such as ankle impingement syndrome, ligament tears or injuries, loose bodies, and synovitis. After the surgery, wounds are stitched closed with a single stitch and a bulky, well-padded plaster is applied. Crutches are required until the first post-operative review two weeks after surgery, after which a walking boot is used for a few weeks, and physiotherapy is started.
While these surgical treatments are generally safe and effective, there are potential complications, including medical complications such as heart attack, stroke, drug reaction, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and even death in rare circumstances. Although surgery is effective in the vast majority of patients, some may be made worse by surgery if a complication develops that cannot be easily fixed. It is essential to discuss the individual case in detail during the consultation.
Post-operative care
After surgery, you have the option to return home on the same day or the next day. You will be provided with painkillers and antibiotics to take home. To ensure proper healing of the wound, it is crucial to keep the foot elevated as much as possible for the first two weeks.
During this period, it is also necessary to use crutches and avoid putting any weight on the leg until the first review at two weeks. After that, you will be placed in a walking fibreglass plaster for an additional four weeks.
At six weeks post-surgery, the cast will be removed and you will begin physiotherapy. It is recommended to wear an ankle brace for three months while engaging in sports.
Recovering from foot surgery may take longer than expected, as the foot is prone to swelling, causing pain and delaying the recovery process. Therefore, it is important to elevate the foot frequently.
It is advised to take a minimum of two weeks off work for clerical duties and at least six weeks off manual labouring jobs.
Complications of Surgery
You should be aware that all surgery has a risk of complications, and this surgery is no different.
There are medical complications such as heart attack, stroke, drug reaction, blood clots in the legs or lungs and even death in very rare circumstances. The chance of one of these happening is very small.
Surgical complications are the same as arthroscopy but include:
• Recurrence of instability: It is possible for the repaired ligament to stretch out again. This happens in approximately one in twenty patients or 5% and may require further surgery.
Surgery is very effective in the vast majority of patients with at least nine out of ten being happy with the result. However, it is possible although very unlikely, to be made worse by surgery if a complication develops that cannot be easily fixed.
A more detailed discussion of your individual case will be made at the consultation.
