Ankle arthroscopy at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What happens during ankle arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is very often performed as a day case with the patient under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make several small incisions (cuts) in your ankle and will insert a tiny camera through one of the incisions to examine any problems in the area. They will insert other instruments to wash out any loose material caused by wear and tear of the joint surfaces and remove any bone spurs or swelling of the lining of your ankle joint. They may be able to make small repairs to torn cartilage through the small incisions. Your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or steri-strips. Your ankle may be bandaged.

Going home after ankle arthroscopy

You should be able to go home the day of your arthroscopy. You will not be able to drive so be sure and arrange for someone to take you home. Your ankle may be swollen for several weeks. Walking may be uncomfortable so you may need crutches. Painkillers may help ease the pain in the first few weeks. A physiotherapist will show you exercises to help you regain your muscle strength and get moving again. You should keep the area clean and dry until your incisions are well healed. You will need to return to have your stitches removed after your procedure. 

Everyone heals at a different pace, so your surgeon or physiotherapist will advise you about when you can return to normal activities. You will be able to drive again when you can make an emergency stop without damaging your ankle. Please discuss your return to driving and to work with your surgeon. 

Depending on what repairs are made during your arthroscopy most patients return can return to strenuous activity and heavy lifting not too long after surgery.