Foot Surgery: Advanced Treatments

What You Need To Know

Understanding when foot surgery is recommended and what the procedures involve.

Foot and Ankle Surgery Explained

Arthroscopic surgery on the foot and ankle may be prescribed to confirm a diagnosis or perform a surgical procedure within a joint. The procedure uses a small instrument and other devices that penetrate the skin without causing major traumatic surgery. Tiny cameras are often used to help the surgeon accurately find the area on which to operate. Arthroscopy reduces the risk of infection and swelling, and healing times as well.

Ankle arthroscopy uses a tiny camera called an arthroscope along with surgical tools to examine or repair the tissue inside or around your ankle. The procedure allows the doctor to detect problems and make repairs without making larger cuts in the skin and tissue. This means you may have less pain and recover more quickly than with open surgery.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for ankle pain when the source is unclear, ankle synovitis, ankle impingement from swollen tissues that limit motion, scar tissue after an injury, cartilage and bone injuries, and loose fragments that can cause the joint to lock up.

Reconstructive surgery is offered for various conditions and traumatic foot and ankle injuries. Common issues may not require surgery, but if problems persist your physician may recommend it as the most effective option. If foot or ankle pain is limiting your daily activities, schedule an evaluation with our surgeons to review your options.

The Procedure and Your Recovery

You will receive general anesthesia before ankle arthroscopy, which means you will be asleep and unable to feel pain. The surgeon inserts the arthroscope into your ankle through a small incision. The scope is connected to a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of your ankle and inspect the cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

To repair damaged tissue, your surgeon makes one to two more small incisions and inserts other instruments. A tear in a muscle, tendon, or cartilage is fixed, and damaged tissue is removed. The incisions are closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. If there is a lot of damage, your surgeon may need to do open surgery through a larger incision.

You can usually go home the same day after you recover from the anesthesia, and you should have someone drive you home. Risks include allergic reaction to medicines, breathing problems, bleeding, blood clot, or infection. Risks specific to ankle arthroscopy include failure to relieve symptoms, recurrent pain, weakness of the ankle, injury to a tendon or blood vessel, and numbness or a painful nerve.

Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy typically means less pain and stiffness, fewer complications, and faster recovery. Many patients resume normal activities in a few weeks, though extensive repairs may take 6-8 weeks to heal. Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy to help you regain full use of your ankle.