
Dr. Mohsen Movahedi Yeganeh is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery. He completed his general medical […]
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to:
✔ Diagnose ankle joint problems
✔ Treat various conditions causing pain or limited mobility
✔ Speed up recovery compared to traditional open surgery
This procedure helps patients with:
Persistent ankle pain that doesn’t improve with rest/medication
Joint instability or locking sensations
Cartilage damage or arthritis symptoms
Injuries that haven’t healed with physical therapy
Anesthesia – You’ll be comfortably asleep or numbed
Tiny incisions – 2-3 small cuts (about 1/4 inch each)
Camera insertion – Arthroscope shows inside your joint on a screen
Precise repairs – Special tools fix problems without large cuts
Condition | What It Is | How Arthroscopy Helps |
---|---|---|
Loose Bodies | Bone/cartilage fragments floating in joint | Removes debris causing pain |
Arthrofibrosis | Scar tissue limiting movement | Clears restrictive tissue |
Synovitis | Inflamed joint lining | Reduces swelling/pain |
Cartilage Damage | Worn or torn cushioning | Repairs or stimulates healing |
First Week: Rest, elevate, use crutches if needed
2-6 Weeks: Light activities, physical therapy begins
3-6 Months: Full recovery for sports/heavy activities
✅ Smaller incisions = less scarring
✅ Less pain after surgery
✅ Faster recovery time
✅ More precise diagnosis and treatment
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Typically 30-90 minutes depending on what needs repair.
Q: Will I need general anesthesia?
A: Most patients receive either general anesthesia or regional numbing.
Q: When can I drive after surgery?
A: Usually 1-2 weeks, but check with your surgeon.
Q: Are results permanent?
A: Many repairs provide long-term relief, but severe arthritis may progress.
If you have:
🔹 Chronic ankle pain
🔹 Swelling that won’t go away
🔹 A feeling of your ankle “catching” or “giving way”