Ankle Arthroscopy Specialist

Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center

Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Wheat Ridge, CO & Arvada, CO

With all the delicate bones, tendons, and ligaments in your ankle, there are a lot of possible causes of your ankle pain. Regardless of the cause, Matthew Paden, DPM, FACFAS, Dustin Kruse, DPM, MA, FACFAS, and Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS use ankle arthroscopy — a minimally invasive procedure — to diagnose the issue and even repair an injury. If you need an ankle arthroscopy, call Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center in Evergreen or Wheat Ridge, Colorado, or book an appointment online today.

Ankle Arthroscopy Q & A

What is arthroscopy?

The team at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center uses arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure, to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the ankle joint.

The doctors insert an arthroscope, which is a thin surgical device with a light and a camera lens on the tip, through a small incision in your ankle. The arthroscope sends images of the inside of your ankle back to a monitor in the treatment room. In some situations, your doctor can use other specialized tools to remove debris and loose tissue from your ankle during arthroscopy.

This treatment allows your foot and ankle surgeon to look for signs of conditions like arthritis or injuries without making a bigger incision that would require an extensive recovery.

What conditions does ankle arthroscopy diagnose or treat?

The doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center use ankle arthroscopy to diagnose and sometimes treat various conditions, including:

Anterior and posterior ankle impingement
Arthritis
Arthrofibrosis
Causes of instability
Fractures
Infection
Loose bodies
Synovitis

What happens during ankle arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is usually an outpatient procedure performed with a nerve block, local anesthetic, or a general anesthetic. Once you're ready, your ankle surgeon stretches your ankle joint with a device and makes two or three small incisions.

Then he fills your joint with a clear, sterile fluid that opens your joint and helps create clear images. Your surgeon then inserts the arthroscope and looks at the pictures from inside your ankle. If possible, he may use other instruments to remove loose tissue or debris from your joint or to repair injuries.

When the procedure is complete, your surgeon removes the arthroscope and other tools and closes your incisions.

What should I expect during recovery from ankle arthroscopy?

Your recovery depends on several factors, including the number of incisions and whether your arthroscopy was for investigating or repairing. Your surgeon provides specific advice on what to expect and how to rest your ankle while you recover.

While arthroscopy is minimally invasive, you may experience some swelling and bruising for a few days after the procedure. You will need to keep your foot elevated for a couple of days. You can use ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce any swelling and discomfort.

Call or schedule an appointment online today.

What we offer