What is an Ankle Arthroscopy?
Ankle Arthroscopy is better known as 'keyhole surgery' and
allows your surgeon to look inside your ankle joint through a
camera inserted through a small cut in the skin. This allows
a diagnosis of any problems and treatment using special designed
surgical instruments - often at the same time.
What does this involve?
Ankle Arthroscopy surgery is usually done as a day
case under general anaesthetic and takes around 40
minutes.
Your surgeon will insert a special camera through one or more
small cuts around your ankle and examine the inside of your ankle
for damage to the cartilages, joint surfaces and ligaments. They
will wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint
surfaces. Your surgeon should be able to trim or repair a torn
cartilage without needing to make a larger cut and close the skin
with stitches or sticky strips.
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When will I recover?
As you are admitted as a day case, you would normally be able to
go home on the same day. You will have a bandage on your
ankle for two to three days, and it is common for the ankle to feel
slightly swollen for a few weeks after surgery. You may also need
to use crutches for a while. You may need painkillers and
your Physiotherapist will give you some exercises to help you get
back to normal living. You may need to take a week off work
and driving.
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What risks should I know about?
Ankle Arthroscopy is an extremely safe procedure but there is
always a small risk of bleeding or infection in the joint or
developing a lump under the wound after surgery. This is caused by
bleeding under the skin and should settle after a few weeks.
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Circle care
Ankle Arthroscopy is carried out in our specialist unit at
CircleBath where our surgeons have created a centre of
excellence. You can be sure of state of the art facilities
and the best possible care to get you back on your feet as soon as
possible.
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