Arthroscopy of the Foot
- American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons©
Arthroscopy of the Foot and Ankle
Technology and unique instrumentation have led to the development of surgical
techniques for the diagnosis and repair of joint disorders. Knee arthroscopy was
developed in the late 1960's. Small joint arthroscopy was developed in the early
1 980's by orthopaedic and podiatric surgeons and adapted to foot and ankle
joints.Your podiatric surgeon may identify a potential problem with a foot or
ankle joint after examining the lower extremity. Arthroscopic surgery may be
recommended to confirm a diagnosis or perform a surgical procedure within a
joint using an arthroscopic instrument. For example, needle-like probes enter
the joint through a small opening of the skin. The podiatric surgeon introduces
a tiny camera to inspect the joint. The podiatric surgeon may also insert
surgical instruments through another small incision to perform additional
procedures within the joint. Unlike traditional joint surgery that requires
large incisions to expose the joint, arthroscopy uses small openings to examine
the joint. By eliminating the need for large incisions, arthroscopy reduces the
risk of infection and swelling. Podiatric surgeons may perform arthroscopic
surgery in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and in their offices.
Arthroscopy is often a "same day" procedure allowing the patient to return home
after surgery. Your podiatric surgeon will discuss all aspects of surgery with
you.
Instrumentation
Podiatric surgeons use delicate instruments and miniature video cameras to
perform arthroscopic surgery. These instruments include cutting tools, burrs,
graspers, shavers, fastening tools, sutures, laser and electrocautery to control
bleeding.
Arthoscopic techniques
allow for a variety of procedures that are performed on foot and ankle joints.
Advantages of arthroscopic surgery include reduced trauma due to the small
instruments used. Small instruments cause less damage to surrounding skin,
ligaments, tendons and bony structures. Movement of the joint reduces swelling,
stiffness, and postoperative discomfort. Your podiatric surgeon may recommend
exercising the joint to hasten your recovery to bathing, walking, and sports
activity.
Postoperative Care
Your podiatric surgeon may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation
("RICE") to help speed healing.
Rest - Ask your podiatric surgeon how long you should rest or restrict
activity.
Ice - Ice reduces swelling, bleeding and pain following surgery.
Compression - Dressings help reduce swelling and stabilize the joint,
preventing unnecessary motion. Dressings should be snug but should not interfere
with proper circulation.
Elevation - Keep the foot at or above the level of your heart to drain
excess fluids away from your foot. This helps to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Summary
Arthroscopy allows your podiatric surgeon to look directly into your ankle and
reach a more accurate diagnosis. Additional benefits of arthroscopy include a
shortened postoperative course and rapid recovery.
© 1994 The American
College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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