Arthroscopy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the field of orthopedic surgery. As a result of the technological advancements, such as the high definition monitors and the high resolution cameras, arthroscopy has turned out to be an extremely effective tool for the treatment of a wide range of ankle related complications.
Technically speaking, arthroscopy is a very precise surgical operation that is used to envision, diagnose, and eventually treat medical complications in the inner parts a joint. This delicate practice encompasses the creation of a small sized incision in the skin slightly through the flesh and slotting in a pencil-sized digital camera into the area within an injured joint. The arthroscopy’s minute camera and the accompanying instrumentation gives Dr. Samimi a clear view inside the damaged joint in a significantly magnified and illuminated manner. This enables him to precisely diagnose and successfully treat the injured joint condition. Dr. Samimi’s specialty is in the diagnosis and treatment of intricate routine ankle complications that may be treated with the arthroscopic procedures.
Arthroscopy is nearly at all times performed as an outpatient surgical procedure and offers benefits such as minimal risk, less complication, decreased postoperative pain and discomfort, reduced recovery time, and even a much smaller amount of scarring.
Reasons to Perform Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery
Arthroscopic ankle surgery may be used in the treatment of:
Cartilage Damage
Minor, isolated regions of cartilage impairment (not extensive ankle arthritis) are frequently found in individuals who have sustained injuries to the ankle joint. With regard to statistical facts and figures, cartilage damage is projected to occur in roughly 5% of people who sustain a sprained ankle injury. If left untreated, the cartilage damage may progress to generalized arthritis of the joint.
Ankle arthroscopy is repeatedly used to evaluate these regions of cartilage impairment and to make an effort to repair the normal cartilage surface to the joint. Restoration of a cartilage surface can be achieved either by restoring the damaged cartilage, or by trying to stimulate fresh cartilage growth with a micro-fracture, cartilage transferal, or implantation of chondrocyte.
Removal of Bone Spurs
Bone outgrowths can form in the anterior position of the joint of the ankle, this results to pinching once the foot is pressed up in the direction of the shin. Medically, this condition is known as anterior ankle impingement syndrome, it is also referred to as footballer’s ankle or athlete’s ankle. This surgical procedure can be used to cut off the bone outgrowth on the anterior side of the joint, to permit improved locomotion of the ankle joint.
Removal of Loose Scar Tissue or Debris
Ankle arthroscopy can also be useful every time there is a disorder bringing about the buildup of free debris or rather scar tissue in the interior of the joint of the ankle. Getting rid of debris or scar tissue could be helpful in restoration of motion and could also lead to decreased inflammation and pain inside the joint.
Treatment of Posterior Ankle Pain
Posterior ankle aches can from time to time be treated arthroscopically. While there is restricted space for performance of an arthroscopic surgery in the rear end of the ankle, there are some circumstances that can be aided when individuals have posterior ankle pain. Particular types of tendonitis and specific bone spurs in the back of the ankle may also be treated arthroscopically.
Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery Performance
Ankle arthroscopy procedure is performed either under overall or regional anesthesia. Once ample anesthesia is administered, your medical practitioner will make ‘portals’ for penetration to the joint of the ankle. The portals are positioned in precise locations to diminish the possibility of injury to immediate nerves, blood vessels, and tendons. Through one portal, a minute camera is positioned into the joint, and through others, tiny instruments are used to address the problem.
The time span of the ankle arthroscopy procedure differs subject to what needs to be achieved, but usually will take just about one hour. Surgery is nearly always done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will go back home the same day.
After the surgical process, your ankle will be enfolded in a soft bandage or splint. Majority of patients work with a physical therapist to recover motion and strengthen the joint. The interval of recovery will also be different depending on what surgical procedure is performed.
Complications
The complications of the arthroscopic ankle surgery include nerve or tendon damage to around the ankle joint. Other complications are infection and damage to joint cartilage from the arthroscopy instruments.
