Arthroscopic surgery on the ankle can be an effective treatment for persistent pain or discomfort in the ankle joint. During the procedure, the ankle is examined using a small camera, and the surgeon can simultaneously treat the conditions causing the symptoms.
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Ankle arthroscopy is indicated for persistent pain, swelling, or reduced mobility in the ankle joint—typically when rest, rehabilitation, and other nonsurgical treatments have not been sufficient. Through two small incisions, the specialist can both examine the joint from the inside and treat any existing conditions. Below are some of the most common symptoms that lead patients to schedule an appointment at Capio.
If you're unsure whether your symptoms fit the description, you're always welcome to contact us.
Many people continue to experience symptoms months after an acute ankle sprain, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling—even though the ankle does not feel unstable when walking. If the symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, a specialist can assess whether there are changes within the joint itself that are causing the pain.
A severe twist can cause cartilage to become detached from the joint surface between the tibia, fibula, and talus. This causes pain during certain movements and when weight is placed on the joint. During arthroscopic surgery, the cartilage damage can be assessed directly, and the detached piece can be removed or reattached.
The sensation that the ankle joint is locking up or suddenly seizing during movement may be caused by loose pieces of cartilage or bone in the joint. Using an arthroscope, these loose fragments can be located and removed, allowing the joint to move freely again.
Repeated stress involving severe flexion of the instep can lead to scar tissue and bony spurs in front of the ankle joint—also known as “soccer ankle.” The pain is typically felt when the foot is flexed upward as far as possible. During arthroscopic surgery, the joint is cleaned out, and the obstructing bony spurs are removed.
Tightness at the back of the ankle can cause chronic pain when the foot is extended—for example, during dancing, sprinting, or kicking. This condition is also known as “ballerina ankle.” If symptoms persist, a surgeon can remove the pinched tissue and any extra bone fragments using arthroscopy.
Swelling and warmth deep within the ankle joint that flares up after activity without a new injury. This may be caused by irritated synovial membrane and scar tissue inside the joint resulting from previous injuries. During arthroscopic surgery, the inflamed and thickened tissue can be removed, allowing the joint to settle down.
If the fracture has healed but the pain, stiffness, and swelling persist, the cause may be damage to the articular cartilage or scar tissue inside the joint. During arthroscopic surgery, the specialist can directly examine the joint surface and remove the tissue that is restricting movement.
Stiffness and pain during physical activity for which X-rays or MRI scans have not provided a clear explanation. Arthroscopy gives the specialist a detailed view of the joint from the inside and often makes it possible to perform treatment during the same procedure.
Ankle arthroscopy is used to examine and treat various conditions of the ankle joint that can cause pain, swelling, or limited mobility. The procedure is performed through two small incisions, through which a camera and fine instruments are inserted into the joint. The goal is to determine the cause of the symptoms and, at the same time, treat any changes that can be corrected during the procedure.
An ankle arthroscopy may be appropriate if you have persistent pain or reduced function in the ankle, and non-surgical treatment has not been sufficiently effective. During the procedure, the ankle joint is thoroughly examined, and the surgeon can treat, among other things, irritated tissue, loose pieces of cartilage or bone, and other changes in the joint. The outcome depends on the cause of your symptoms, but most patients experience an improvement in pain and function after the procedure.
Before the surgery, you will be examined by a specialist, who will assess your symptoms and examine your ankle. Based on your symptoms and any X-rays or MRI scans, a determination will be made as to whether arthroscopic surgery is the appropriate treatment.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes two small incisions around the ankle joint, through which a small camera and fine instruments are inserted into the joint. The camera provides a detailed view of the ankle joint, allowing the surgeon to both examine the joint and treat the changes that are causing your symptoms, such as irritated mucous membranes, scar tissue, or loose pieces of cartilage and bone.
Most patients experience an improvement in pain and function after surgery. However, swelling and tenderness in the ankle are to be expected initially, and it may take several months before the final result is achieved. Rehabilitation and gradually increasing the load on the ankle are an important part of the healing process.
What conditions can be treated with arthroscopic ankle surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery on the ankle may be appropriate in cases of persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced mobility in the ankle joint. Among other things, the procedure can be used to treat irritated synovial membrane, scar tissue, bone spurs, and loose pieces of cartilage or bone. The specific treatment depends on the cause of your symptoms.
When might ankle arthroscopy be the right treatment?
Ankle arthroscopy may be considered if your symptoms persist even after you have tried physical therapy, rest, or other non-surgical treatments. Before the surgery, a specialist will examine your ankle and evaluate your symptoms, as well as any X-rays or MRI scans. Based on this evaluation, a decision will be made as to whether arthroscopic surgery is appropriate for you.
How is arthroscopic ankle surgery performed?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes two small incisions around the ankle and inserts a camera and fine instruments into the joint. This makes it possible to both examine the ankle joint and treat any changes that may be causing your symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from ankle arthroscopy?
The healing process depends, among other things, on the nature of the treatment and how your ankle responds after surgery. In the early stages, you can expect tenderness and swelling. You’ll gradually increase the amount of weight you put on your ankle according to the instructions you receive, and the final result can usually be assessed only after at least three months.
When can I put weight on my foot and return to work?
For the first few days after surgery, you should put as little weight as possible on the operated ankle and keep your foot elevated as much as possible. After that, you can typically increase the amount of weight you put on it gradually. Whether you need to take sick leave depends on your job and the extent of the surgery, and your surgeon will advise you based on your specific situation.
What are the risks associated with arthroscopic ankle surgery?
As with other surgeries, there is a risk of complications. Infection is rare following this type of procedure. In rare cases, a blood clot may also form, or a small nerve branch near the ankle may be affected. According to Capio’s patient information, approximately 5% of patients experience effects on a small nerve branch, and the symptoms usually subside over time. You will be informed about relevant symptoms and who to contact if you experience increasing pain, fever, redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge from the surgical wound. The outcome varies from person to person and depends, among other things, on the cause of the symptoms.
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