Novato/North Bay
(415) 898-9818
San Francisco
(415) 984-2700
Sacramento
(916) 452-2005
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic Foot and Ankle Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique for various foot and ankle conditions. The arthroscope (or “scope”) is a small camera that is inserted into the joint to visualize the surface cartilage of the surrounding bones and the joint space. This is used to evaluate the extent of joint damage which is caused by long standing degenerative changes or due to acute injuries from activity or falls. The arthroscope can also be used to evaluate damage or laxity to surrounding tendons and ligamentous structures.
Your foot and ankle specialist will perform an evaluation to determine the diagnosis of the causative reason for your ankle pain. If necessary, imaging may be obtained. As with most conditions, conservative treatment options are initiated which may include rest, ice or physical therapy. Arthroscopic surgery may be used for diagnostic and/or treatment purposes for your specific condition.
Ankle arthroscopic surgery can be performed for a variety of conditions:
- Removal of loose bodies or osteophytes
- Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)
- Arthroscopic tenograms
- Osteochondral defects (lesions of the joint cartilage)
- Infectious arthritis
- Fusion procedures of joints
- Ankle stabilization procedures for unstable ankles
During your consultation visit, the physician will discuss the surgical procedure in greater detail as well as the post-operative care.
