Ankle Arthroscopy in Orange County:

Ankle arthroscopy in Orange County is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that surgeons use to treat problems in the ankle.  Ankle arthroscopy uses a thin fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) that can magnify and transmit images of the ankle to a video screen. Our Foot and Ankle Surgeon / Podiatrist in Orange County can discuss ankle arthroscopy at our Irvine, CA, Huntington Beach, CA, Newport Beach, CA, or Orange, CA offices.

 

Ankle fractures: Ankle arthroscopy may be used along with open techniques of fracture repair. This can help to ensure normal alignment of bone and cartilage. It may also be used during ankle fracture repair to look for cartilage injuries inside the ankle.

 

Ankle instability: Ligaments of the ankle can become stretched out, which can lead to a feeling that the ankle gives way. These ligaments can be tightened with surgery.  Arthroscopic techniques in Orange County may be an option for this problem.

 

Anterior ankle impingement occurs when bone or soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint becomes inflamed. Symptoms include ankle pain and swelling.

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Arthrofibrosis: Scar tissue can form within the ankle. This can lead to a painful and stiff joint. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to identify the scar tissue and remove it.

 

Loose bodies: Cartilage, bone, and scar tissue can become free floating in the joint and form what is referred to as loose bodies. Loose bodies can be painful and can cause problems such as clicking and catching. Locking of the ankle joint may occur. Ankle arthroscopy in Orange County can be used to find and remove the loose bodies.

 

Osteochondral defect (OCD): These are areas of damaged cartilage and bone in the ankle joint. OCDs are usually caused by injuries to the ankle such as fractures and sprains. Common symptoms include ankle pain and swelling. Patients may complain of catching or clicking in the ankle. The diagnosis is made with a combination of a physical exam and imaging studies. Imaging may include X-rays, MRI, or CT scan. The treatment by our Orange County Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle Surgeon is based on the size, location, and stability of the defect. The patient’s symptoms and activity demands are also considered. Surgery often consists of scraping away the damaged cartilage and drilling small holes in the bone to promote healing. Bone grafting and cartilage transplant procedures can also be performed.

 

Posterior ankle impingement: This occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the ankle becomes inflamed. Pointing the foot down can be painful. This overuse syndrome occurs commonly in dancers. It can be associated with an extra bone called an os trigonum. Ankle arthroscopy in Orange County can help identify the cause and treat the source of the impingement.

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Synovitis: The soft tissue lining of the ankle joint (synovial tissue) can become inflamed.  This causes pain and swelling. It can be caused by injury and overuse. Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis) and osteoarthritis can also cause synovitis. Ankle arthroscopy can be used to surgically remove inflamed tissue that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment.

 

Advantages of Ankle Arthroscopy in Orange County

Ankle arthroscopy in Orange County allows our foot and ankle surgeon to see inside the ankle with small incisions. This minimizes problems sometimes encountered with more invasive procedures, such as infection and pain. The procedure can be performed as an outpatient surgery at one of our surgery centers in Orange County, due to its minimally invasive nature. Patients may be able to begin rehabilitation sooner, and they may be able to return to high-level activities such as sports more quickly.

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Please contact our office in Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, or Huntington Beach in Orange County, CA to make an appointment with our foot and ankle surgeon / podiatrist (Dr. Coyer) to discuss ankle arthroscopy in Orange County treatment options.