Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which your specialist will insert a very small camera into a joint in your foot or ankle. The most common place for this to take place is within your ankle joint. The purpose of this procedure is to help diagnose and treat joint problems. A joint, also called an articulation, is comprised of the ends of two bones that are covered by a smooth, spongy surface called cartilage. The purpose of a joint is to withstand large compressive and loading forces while allowing fluid movement between the two bones. Utilizing this minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to skillfully evaluate the pathology that may be present. Additionally, depending on the severity and type of damage to the joint, you surgeon may be able to perform intervention at the same time as this procedure occurs.

Common conditions that can be diagnosed with arthroscopy include damaged cartilage, synovitis (inflammation to the tissue surrounding the joint), scar tissue build up, loose bone fragments, partially or completely torn ligaments, and Osteochondritis Dissecans.

There are many benefits to undergoing a joint arthroscopy. In addition to being minimally invasive, patients are typically able to bear weight in a fracture boot right after the procedure is completed unless additional procedures were performed. The procedure itself usually completed in an hour and patients are often able to go through the post-operative recovery using our unique post-operative pain protocol without any narcotics. Patient satisfaction is generally very high with this procedure.

Often times, your specialist will administer an injection to your joint before the arthroscopy procedure is performed to evaluate how much pain relief is obtained. We typically tell patients that if they experience significant pain relief, we are in the right spot! Our hope is that this procedure provides long lasting relief but sometimes it is only temporary. The benefit of joint arthroscopy is that it allows us to evaluate your condition, potentially clean up any pathology, and hopefully provide long lasting relief. Come see our specialists at Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists today to see if you are a candidate for this minimally invasive procedure!

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