Ankle Keyhole Surgery (Ankle Arthroscopy)

What is keyhole surgery?

Keyhole surgery can be used to treat many conditions around the ankle. Keyhole surgery involves doing procedures through 2-3 small incisions around the ankle and foot. The advantage of this procedure includes faster recovery, less wound complications and less pain. Keyhole surgery causes less tissue damage, still allowing accurate treatment of many foot and ankle conditions.

Conditions that can be treated with keyhole surgery include:

• Painful big toe (Hallux Rigidus)
• Cartilage injuries/lesions (Osteochondral lesions)
• Ankle impingement
• Tendon disorders (Achilles and peroneal tendons)
• Arthritis

What are the risks of keyhole surgery?

• Nerve damage: numbness or tingling can be experienced and often takes weeks to resolve. This is due to irritation of the nerves close to the keyhole incisions. Permanent damage is rare.
• Wound problems: infection or leaking wound is less likely. The wounds should be kept dry for the 1^st 2 weeks.
• Swelling: Swelling is common and can often take 6-9 months to improve. For the 1^st 2 weeks the foot should be elevated as much as possible to decrease swelling and possible wound problems. (General rule: elevate 45min in every hour)