Ankle Arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that utilizes the technology of fiberoptics, magnifying lenses, and digital video monitors to allow the surgeon to directly visualize the inside of an ankle through small incisions. Several incisions, approximately half a centimeter in length, are fashioned about the ankle to allow for the insertion of an arthroscope, or small fiberoptic video camera, and/or special arthroscopic instruments. Sterile fluid is also circulated through the ankle to distend the joint, creating more space for the arthroscope and instruments. This also allows for better visibility within the ankle, space to maneuver instruments, and clearance of debris.
How is Ankle Arthroscopy Performed?
Ankle arthroscopy is generally performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia with or without a regional pain block or epidural anesthetic with sedation. After adequate anesthesia is established, a tourniquet is applied to the leg, and the leg is prepped and draped in a sterile fashion. Mechanical distraction devices are sometimes used to help surgeons temporarily enlarge the potential space of the ankle. After the foot and ankle are appropriately positioned, at least two approximately 0.5mm incisions are made in the ankle. These incisions become the entry sites into the ankle, or portals, for the arthroscopic camera and instruments. These portals are placed strategically in an effort to avoid vessels and nerves. The incisions are made in the front or back of the ankle, or a combination of these. Sterile fluid is then allowed to flow through the ankle to further open the joint. The camera and instruments can then be exchanged between portals to perform the surgery. At the conclusion of the procedure, small sutures are placed in the skin to close the portals. A sterile compressive dressing, and sometimes a splint or boot, are then applied. The patient is brought to the recovery area and is usually discharged home the same day with specific weightbearing and dressing care instructions.
What conditions is ankle arthroscopy used to treat?
Ankle arthroscopy can sometimes be used as an alternative to open ankle surgery, which is a surgical approach utilizing larger incisions to access the inside of the ankle. It can be used to diagnose and treat different disorders of the ankle joint.
The list of problems that this technology can be used for is constantly evolving, but includes:
1. Osteochondral defect of the talus (also referred to as osteochondritis dessicans, OCDs, osteochondral fractures)
This includes acute ankle sprains and repetitive ankle injuries caused by chronic instability. Atraumatic causes of OCDs include vascular insults, genetic predisposition, degeneration, and metabolic abnormalities. Patients will often present with complaints of persistent and progressive ankle pain and swelling. This can be associated with mechanical symptoms of catching, clicking, or popping, and decreased range of motion. The diagnosis is made with the combination of physical exam and diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRI, and/or CT scan. The treatment will be based on the size and location of the OCD, associated symptoms, patient demographics, and activity demands of the patient. After the diagnosis is made arthroscopically, treatment options include microfracture, subchondral drilling, abrasion arthroplasty, fragment fixation, and bone grafting procedures. Thorough discussion with your surgeon is necessary to determine which option is most appropriate for you.
2. Anterior Ankle Impingement (also referred to as “athlete’s ankle” or “footballer’s ankle”) and Anterolateral Ankle Impingement
These occur when either bone and soft tissue of the anterior (the “front”) ankle joint becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or irritation. This will cause pain in the ankle joint, swelling, and can limit motion of the ankle, especially dorsiflexion (loss of the ability to bend your “toes towards your nose”). Walking uphill is often painful. This is common in soccer players and any athlete with recurrent ankle sprains. The diagnosis of anterior ankle impingement can be made by identifying osteophytes, or “bone spurs,” on standard X-rays of the ankle. Sometimes, a MRI is necessary if bone spurs are not present. MRI can identify redundant and inflamed soft tissue in the anterolateral gutter of the ankle not seen with standard X-rays. This is considered anterolateral ankle impingement. If nonoperative measures fail to relieve symptoms of either of these conditions, ankle arthroscopy can be used to shave away redundant soft tissues and/or bone spurs.
3. Posterior Ankle Impingement
This occurs when the bone and soft tissue of the hindfoot (the “back” of the ankle) becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress. This will cause pain in the ankle joint, swelling, and often times limited motion of the ankle, especially plantarflexion (loss of the ability to “press on the gas”). This overuse syndrome occurs most commonly in ballet dancers, but can also be seen in other athletes. Like anterior ankle impingement, it is usually associated with bone issues in the posterior part of the ankle (the “back” of the ankle). It can also be associated with an accessory bone, which is not found in all patients that is referred to as an os trigonum. Surgical treatment involves placing arthroscopic incisions in the back of the ankle to access the painful area. Bone spurs, inflamed soft tissue, and if present, the os trigonum, can then be removed arthroscopically.
4. Synovitis
Synovitis is inflammation of the soft tissue lining of the ankle joint (synovium) that will often manifest as pain, swelling, and loss of motion. This can occur due to an acute trauma, inflammatory arthritis (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), overuse, and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). If nonsurgical treatment options fail to provide relief, ankle arthroscopy can be used to surgically remove inflamed synovium.
5. Loose Bodies
Articular cartilage and/or scar tissue following trauma to the ankle can become free floating in the joint and form what is referred to as a “loose body”. These can also occur within the setting of a condition called synovial chondromatosis, where the lining of the joint becomes redundant for unexplained reasons. These loose bodies can cause problems such as clicking, catching, and frank locking that often lead to pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Occasionally loose bodies can be identified with standard X-rays or a CT scan, but frequently require an MRI to visualize the culprit. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to find and remove the loose body.
6. Arthrofibrosis
Sometimes, previous trauma, prior ankle surgery, infections of the ankle joint, and inflammatory arthritides, such as rheumatoid arthritis, predispose patients to the development of scar tissue, or arthrofibrosis. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to identify this scar tissue and remove it.
7. Infection
Septic arthritis, or infection of the joint space, cannot be treated effectively with antibiotics alone. It often necessitates an urgent surgery to wash out the joint. This can be done as an open procedure or with an arthroscopy. Although infections of the skin and soft tissue around the ankle joint preclude ankle arthroscopy in most settings, septic arthritis can be an indication for ankle arthroscopy. The decision of whether or not an infection is amenable to arthroscopic surgery is determined by many factors. Only you and your surgeon can determine whether or not it is appropriate for you.
8. Ankle Fractures
Ankle arthroscopy can also be used along with conventional techniques of fracture repair to ensure that normal anatomic alignment of cartilage within the ankle is restored. This is done to help minimize the risk of future posttraumatic arthritis.
9. Unexplained Ankle Symptoms
Occasionally patients develop symptoms, such as pain, swelling, locking, catching, grinding, or popping, that cannot be explained with diagnostic techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or bone scans. When nonoperative measures have been exhausted, ankle arthroscopy can be used to diagnose lesions within the ankle joint. It provides the opportunity to look directly into the joint, identify potential problems, and definitively treat many of them.
10. Tibiotalar Arthritis
Ankle fractures, infection, osteonecrosis, and arthritis may eventually lead to chronic pain and stiffness that can not be controlled with nonoperative measures. Ankle fusion is a treatment option appropriate for many patients in this situation. When performed by an experienced surgeon, ankle arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive way to perform ankle fusion that may yield results that are equal to or better than conventional open techniques. This procedure has its limitations. Your surgeon can determine if this procedure is an appropriate option for you.
Recovery: How Do I Care for My Ankle After Surgery?
This will ultimately depend on the type of problem and nature of the arthroscopic procedure used to treat the problem. Patients can expect pain and swelling following surgery that necessitates elevation of the leg and oral pain medication for at least several days. The type of procedure performed will determine whether or not your ability to bear weight on the affected leg will be restricted after surgery. This can range from progressive immediate weightbearing with crutches, to a period of strict nonweightbearing for one to two months. If ankle arthroscopy is used as an adjunct to conventional fracture fixation, this period of nonweightbearing may be longer depending on your body’s ability to heal the fracture. Your dressing will be left in place until follow-up with your surgeon, and sutures will be removed one to two weeks after surgery. Active range of motion is generally allowed immediately. After the swelling and soft tissue reaction subsides, a progressive strengthening routine may be implemented. It will be up to your surgeon when each of these activities is allowed and whether or not a formal physical therapy referral is necessary.
Outcomes
Many factors will contribute to the outcome of your ankle arthroscopy procedure. These include, but are not limited to your expectations, the severity of your condition, complexity of the procedure performed, as well as postoperative compliance, rehabilitation, and motivation. The literature shows that an average of greater than 70-90% of patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy for the most common indications achieve good or excellent results.
What Are the Advantages of Ankle Arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy makes possible direct visualization of the inside of the ankle without large cosmetically unsightly scars. It minimizes other problems encountered with large incisions around the ankle, such as pain, bleeding, wound breakdown, and infection. The procedure can be performed as an outpatient because of its minimally invasive nature. Patients may be able to begin rehabilitation sooner, rehabilitate more functionally, and return to high level activities, such as sports.
Who Is Not Eligible for Ankle Arthroscopy?
Elective arthroscopy is contraindicated in patients with soft tissue infections of the ankle such as cellulitis, acute and chronic open wounds, and dermatitis overlying the ankle. Patients with severe arthritic changes with loss of the joint space are not good candidates for arthroscopic debridement procedures. Patients with severe peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome, and edema may not be eligible for ankle arthroscopy. It is important to thoroughly discuss your individual risks, potential benefits, and the alternatives to ankle arthroscopy with your surgeon.
Complications
Potential complications of ankle arthroscopy include, but are not limited to injury to nerves, vessels, tendons, ligaments or cartilage about the ankle, deep and superficial infections, scarring, reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome, missed diagnoses, broken instruments, and anesthetic complications. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon following surgery as recommended.
The following symptoms should be urgently reported to your surgeon, as they may be an indication of a complication:
- Pain not controlled by pain medication
- Constitutional symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fevers, or chills
- Wound redness, swelling, warmth or drainage
- New numbness, weakness, or tingling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When Can I Safely Return to Driving?
This will be determined by the type of procedure you undergo and your surgeon’s evaluation of your progress. When you are able to bear weight without limitation and are no longer taking narcotic pain medication, you will likely be cleared to return to driving. This can be as soon as several days after surgery or may take one to two months.
When Can I Expect to Return to Work/Sports?
This will be determined by the type of procedure you undergo and your surgeon’s evaluation of your progress. If your mobility allows you to safely complete your job duties, there is the possibility of returning to work several days after surgery. Most patients can expect to be out of work for at least one to two weeks while they recover. It is possible to return to high level sports following ankle arthroscopy. This will depend on your ability to protect yourself effectively and perform during your particular sporting activity. Athletes could be cleared to return to play at as early as one to two weeks, but in all likelihood can expect an excess of four to six weeks.
*Source: American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society® http://www.aofas.org