Ankle Arthroscopy

Do you have ankle pain that persists despite your best efforts to alleviate it? If so, you’ll be happy to know that our expert team at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center has assisted thousands, like yourself, in finding relief by means of ankle arthroscopy. 

Schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Greater Columbus today to see if this form of treatment would be appropriate for your needs!

Do I Need Surgery?

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon doesn’t mean that surgery is necessary. Our orthopedic doctors always prefer to use non-surgical procedures to treat injuries.

What Our Patients Say

Very great doctor/surgeon. The office staff are always friendly and very helpful with all my questions. Recommend this group to everyone having foot or ankle problems. My left foot is doing great and hopefully my right foot surgery will go has smoothly.” — Deborah H.

What Is Advanced Arthroscopic Surgery?

Advanced arthroscopic surgery (also referred to as keyhole surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a wide range of issues that can be found within the ankle joint. This is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home on the same day as your surgery.

This reconstructive surgical procedure involves your surgeon utilizing a special tool called an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a small and flexible tube that has a tiny camera and a light attached to it. The camera projects a direct image of your ankle onto a digital monitor so that your surgeon can clearly identify any damage to the ankle joint and make the necessary repairs.

When Is it Necessary to Perform Ankle Arthroscopy?

If you have unexplained ankle symptoms, ankle arthroscopy may be necessary to identify the source of your ankle pain. It may also be used to remove scar tissue, cartilage, bone spurs, or other loose bodies.

You may make a good candidate for this minimally invasive surgery if you have any of the following ankle disorders that have not responded to conservative treatments:

  • Instability
  • Torn ligaments
  • Anterior ankle impingement
  • Posterior ankle impingement
  • Inflammation of the soft tissue lining of your ankle joint (synovial tissue)
A patient after an ankle arthroscopy in Columbus, OH.

How Is Ankle Arthroscopy Performed?

Surgeons performing an advanced arthroscopic ankle surgery.

Ankle arthroscopy is generally performed with the following steps:

  1. First, you will be given general or regional anesthesia.
  2. Then the surgical site will be sterilized, and your surgeon will numb the area.
  3. Next, your ankle surgeon will make a few small incisions in the skin around your ankle joint to insert the arthroscope and the tiny surgical instruments needed to make the repairs.
  4. Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon will use small sutures to close the surgical site and apply a sterile comprehensive dressing. You may also be given a splint or boot and then escorted to the recovery room.

The Benefits of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy offers several benefits, including:

  • A faster recovery time
  • Smaller incisions
  • Lower risk of complications, such as bleeding and infection
  • Minor scarring
  • Outpatient surgery

The Risks of Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure. However, as is the case with any surgery, risks and potential complications can occur. These risks can include the following:

  • Infection
  • Damage to blood vessels
  • Bleeding
  • Nerve damage
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthesia
  • Blood clots
  • Numbness or tingling in your foot and ankle
  • Compartment syndrome

Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy

Most patients recover within a few months after ankle arthroscopy. However, your exact recovery time may depend on the following:

  • Your reason for needing ankle surgery
  • Other existing medical conditions that you may have
  • How quickly you regain your strength, stability, and range of motion


You may need to use crutches or wear a splint for the first weeks after your ankle arthroscopy procedure. Oral pain medication may be used to reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, your surgeon will recommend
physical therapy to help you regain your strength and range of motion.

Ankle Arthroscopy Success Rate

According to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), “80-90% of patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy for common problems achieve good or excellent results.”

It is so successful that it is becoming a standard procedure that surgeons use to perform complex operations with less invasive techniques. This procedure offers a minimally invasive way to perform ankle fusion that may result in equal or better results than conventional open ankle surgery.

If ankle arthroscopy is a procedure that you feel could bring your relief, contact us to schedule a consultation appointment with Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center today! Our expert specialists in Columbus, OH look forward to helping you regain your mobility by offering the most suitable treatment options for your individual case.

Medically reviewed by Gregory C. Berlet MD, FRCS(C). FAOA

Our Ankle Arthroscopy Specialist​s​

GREGORY C. BERLET, MD

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

TERRENCE M. PHILBIN, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

CHRISTOPHER F. HYER, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

PATRICK E. BULL, DO

Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon

MARK A. PRISSEL, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon

RANDALL C. THOMAS JR., DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

COREY J. GRIFFITH, DPM

Board Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

ROBERTO A. BRANDÃO, DPM

Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon
Skip to content