Around 2 million people suffer ankle sprains in the United States each year, and 40% of them develop chronic pain and joint instability.
At Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic in Draper and Orem, Utah, we understand that ankle pain can stop you in your tracks. Whether it’s from an injury, overuse, or an underlying condition, ankle problems affect your ability to walk, exercise, or even stand comfortably.
Ankle arthroscopy is a cutting-edge tool we use to diagnose and treat a variety of ankle issues, helping our patients get back to the activities they love.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows us to see inside the ankle joint without making a large incision. Using specialized instruments, we can treat many problems right then and there.
We insert a tiny camera (arthroscope) through a small incision, which sends images to a monitor to give us a clear, detailed view of your joint’s cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Because the procedure uses small incisions, patients typically experience less pain, reduced swelling, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
We perform ankle arthroscopy for a range of conditions, from sports injuries to chronic joint problems. Here are some common issues we treat:
Ankle impingement occurs when soft tissue or bone gets pinched during ankle movement. It can cause sharp pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly when walking uphill, squatting, or playing sports.
With arthroscopy, we remove excess tissue or bone spurs that cause impingement, restoring smoother movement.
Injuries or wear-and-tear can cause tiny fragments of bone or cartilage to break away and float inside the ankle joint. These “loose bodies” can cause catching, locking, or sharp pain. Removing them using arthroscopy relieves discomfort and prevents further damage.
The strong ligaments supporting the ankle can become stretched or torn from twisting injuries or repeated sprains. Arthroscopy helps us assess the extent of the damage, clean up any scar tissue, and assist in repairing or reconstructing the ligament if needed.
Osteochondral defects occur when cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle suffer damage, often from an injury like a fracture. With arthroscopy, we can remove damaged tissue, stimulate healing, or use microfracture techniques to encourage new cartilage growth.
Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial lining inside the ankle joint, often caused by overuse, arthritis, or injury. Arthroscopy allows us to remove inflamed tissue (synovectomy), helping restore normal function and reduce discomfort.
Cartilage acts as a cushion inside your joints. When it wears down or suffers damage, it can cause pain and limit mobility. Arthroscopy enables us to smooth rough cartilage, remove debris, and stimulate healing, helping to protect the joint from further damage.
Dr. Greg Brockbank conducts a thorough exam, discusses your symptoms, and uses advanced imaging to assess your ankle condition. The goal is to match you with the safest, most effective treatment, whether that’s arthroscopy or another approach.
Arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:
While recovery time varies depending on the condition treated, many patients can start gentle movement soon after surgery, followed by a personalized rehabilitation plan.
You receive regional or general anesthesia before your ankle arthroscopy. Once you’re comfortable, we make 2-3 small incisions around your ankle to insert the camera and instruments. Guided by real-time images, we perform the necessary repairs or tissue removal.
Most procedures take 1-2 hours, and patients often go home the same day. After surgery, you may need to wear a protective boot or use crutches for a short period. Physical therapy is vital for regaining strength and mobility.
Ankle problems can make even simple tasks a challenge, but the proper treatment can restore your mobility and quality of life. Ankle arthroscopy is a powerful, minimally invasive solution for many common ankle conditions.
If ankle pain is holding you back, our team at Lone Peak Foot & Ankle Clinic can help you move forward with confidence. Call the office today or book an appointment online.
