Ankle Surgery and Arthroscopy

Dr. Bishop performs open Ankle surgery and whenever possible minimally invasive anjle arthroscopy is used to diagnose
and treat various conditions affecting the ankle joint. Here's a comprehensive overview:
If you have ankle pain or injury call Dr. Bishop for a consultation at 480-342-9999

Ankle Surgery

Overview:

- Performed to treat severe injuries, deformities, arthritis, or conditions that do not respond to conservative treatments.
- Types of ankle surgery vary based on the underlying condition.

Types of Ankle Surgery

Ankle Fracture Surgery:

- Indication: Severe or displaced fractures of the tibia, fibula, or talus.
- Procedure: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using screws, plates, or rods to stabilize bones.
- Recovery: 6-12 weeks; physical therapy begins after immobilization.

Ankle Ligament Reconstruction:

- Indication: Chronic instability or severe ligament tears.
- Procedure: Ligaments are repaired or reconstructed using grafts from tendons.
- Recovery: 4-6 months; physical therapy is crucial.

Ankle Fusion (Arthrodesis):

- Indication: Severe arthritis or joint damage causing pain and immobility.
- Procedure: Bones in the ankle joint are fused together using screws or plates, eliminating joint motion.
- Recovery: 6-12 months; effective for pain relief but limits mobility.

Ankle Replacement (Arthroplasty):

- Indication: End-stage arthritis or joint degeneration.
- Procedure: Damaged joint surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components.
- Recovery: 6-12 months; preserves joint mobility compared to fusion.

Tendon Surgery:

- Indication: Tears or ruptures in tendons like the Achilles.
- Procedure: Tendons are repaired or lengthened (e.g., for flatfoot deformity).
- Recovery: 3-6 months depending on the procedure.

Bone Spur Removal:

- Indication: Spurs causing impingement or pain.
- Procedure: Spurs are shaved or removed, often arthroscopically.
- Recovery: 4-8 weeks.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Overview:

- Minimally invasive procedure using a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments to diagnose and treat joint problems.
- Performed through small incisions around the ankle.

Common Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy

1. Osteochondral Lesions:
- Damage to cartilage and underlying bone.
- Treated by debridement, drilling, or cartilage transplantation.
2. Synovitis:
- Inflammation of the joint lining.
- Treated by removing inflamed tissue (synovectomy).
3. Ankle Impingement:
- Pain caused by soft tissue or bone pinching.
- Excess tissue or bone spurs are removed.
4. Loose Bodies:
- Fragments of bone or cartilage in the joint.
- Removed arthroscopically.
5. Ankle Instability:
- Ligament repairs or augmentations can be performed arthroscopically.

Procedure

Preparation:

- Performed under general or regional anesthesia.
- Patient is positioned with the ankle accessible.

Surgical Steps:

- Small incisions are made around the ankle.
- Arthroscope and instruments are inserted.
- Surgeon views the joint on a monitor and performs necessary repairs or clean-up.

Closure:

- Incisions are sutured, and a dressing is applied.

Advantages of Arthroscopy

- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring.
- Reduced pain and swelling.
- Faster recovery compared to open surgery.
- Outpatient procedure in most cases.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Arthroscopy:

- Return to light activities within 2-4 weeks.
- Physical therapy begins early to restore range of motion and strength.
- Full recovery in 6-12 weeks for most patients.

Open Surgery:

- Recovery varies depending on the procedure.
- Weight-bearing restrictions for 4-8 weeks.
- Physical therapy is essential for rehabilitation.

Risks and Complications

1. General Risks: Infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.
2. Surgery-Specific Risks:
- Arthroscopy: Joint stiffness, swelling, or recurrence of symptoms.
- Open Surgery: Longer recovery, increased risk of complications like nonunion or malunion of fractures.

When to Consider Surgery

- Persistent pain or instability despite conservative treatments.
- Severe arthritis, deformities, or fractures.
- Limited mobility affecting quality of life.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery to determine
the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
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