Diagnostic Ankle Arthroscopy · Diagnostic ankle arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose...

www.ashevilleortho.com

Diagnostic Ankle Arthroscopy

Diagnostic ankle arthroscopyis a procedure used todiagnose problems inside theankle joint. A specialinstrument with a miniaturecamera, called anarthroscope, is inserted intosmall incisions to see insidethe joint. This allows yoursurgeon to visualize thecomplex structures of yourankle under magnificationwithout making large, openincisions.

This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to represent actual surgical technique or results. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,treatment or care. Always seek the advice of a medical professional when you have a medical condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking advice if you have read something inthis printout. Copyright © 2013, Understand.com, LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Asheville Orthopaedic Associates • (828) 252-7331


IntroductionDiagnostic ankle arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnoseproblems inside the ankle joint. A special instrument with aminiature camera, called an arthroscope, is inserted into smallincisions to see inside the joint. This allows your surgeon tovisualize the complex structures of your ankle under magnificationwithout making large, open incisions.

AnatomyThe ankle joint is made up of the two bones of the lower leg, calledthe fibula and tibia, and the talus bone at the top of the foot. Thesebones are connected by ligaments and tendons, which providestability and enable the foot to move up and down. Anothercomponent of the ankle is called the subtalar joint and includes theconnection between the talus bone and the calcaneus, or heelbone, which allows the ankle to move inward and outward.Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones, helps with shockabsorption, and allows the bones to slide smoothly against oneanother. Tendons connect muscles to bones and control theactions of the calf, toes and ankle. The nerves in the foot, whichcontrol muscle movements and provide sensation, travel throughthe ankle along with large blood vessels that supply blood to thefoot.




Why ArthroscopyIdentifying the cause of ankle pain may be difficult because of thecomplexity of the joint. Often imagery methods, such as x-ray, CTscans, or MRI are not able to detect injury or damage to cartilage,ligaments, or tendons. Ankle arthroscopy is typically used toassess the cause of ankle pain such as bone fractures, tornligaments, and degenerative changes to cartilage from arthritis.Ligaments and tendons can be stretched, pinched, or torn byinjury. Internal visualization with arthroscopy often provides boththe opportunity to assess the problem and treat certain conditionswhen they are discovered.

Preparation and PositioningAnkle arthroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia,in which you are asleep during the procedure. Occasionally, theprocedure may be performed under regional anesthesia, withsedation. In this case, a numbing agent is injected to numb yourleg and foot, and you may be relaxed but not entirely asleep.

Your leg will likely be positioned in a traction device, which holds itin place during the procedure and allows the ankle joint to beexpanded for better visualization.




Incisions, Visualization and DiagnosisSmall incisions, called portals, are typically made on the front ofyour ankle and the arthroscope is inserted into one of the portals.To expand the joint and to improve visualization, a salt water, orsaline, solution flows through a tube and into the ankle. The imagefrom the arthroscope is projected onto a video monitor where thesurgeon can watch while maneuvering inside the joint. Once yoursurgeon has determined the cause of your pain or problem,surgical repairs may be completed through the small portals or youmay be scheduled to return at a later date. After the procedure, theincisions are closed with sutures and covered with a bandage. If asurgical repair was done, a splint may be used to stabilize yourankle while it heals.

RecoveryImmediately following the procedure, you can expect to have someminor pain, swelling, and possibly stiffness around your ankle. Youwill likely be advised to keep your foot elevated for a few days afterthe procedure to reduce swelling. Sutures will be removed in oneto two weeks and you may be required to continue to wear a splintas instructed if a surgical repair was done. Recovery time isconsiderably shorter with small arthroscopic incisions, compared toopen procedures with large incisions. Arthroscopy enables yoursurgeon to inspect the complex anatomy of your ankle and allowsfor both diagnosing and treating a variety of ankle problems.



Diagnostic Ankle Arthroscopy · Diagnostic ankle arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose...

Documents

Transcript of Diagnostic Ankle Arthroscopy · Diagnostic ankle arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose...