Ankle Arthroscopy In Bethesda, MD

Ankle Arthroscopy

In years past, open ankle surgery was your only option for treating problems with this delicate joint. However, if you are struggling with ankle issues, the team at OrthoBethesda in Bethesda, Maryland, has a minimally invasive surgical option that is less painful, has fewer complications, and provides a shorter recovery time: ankle arthroscopy surgery.

Whether you’re struggling with arthritis or another type of ankle complication, our team will provide a full examination to determine the underlying issue and decide if ankle arthroscopy is the best choice for you. We can also perform joint replacement surgery and foot treatments throughout Maryland.

Call or email the trusted orthopedic team at OrthoBethesda today to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment of any ankle joint issues, including plantar fasciitis, bone fractures, arthritis, tendonitis, and more.

 

 

What Is Ankle Arthroscopy?

At OrthoBethesda, we use arthroscopic surgery to treat a variety of foot and ankle joint issues, including those involving the ankle. Also called keyhole surgery, ankle arthroscopy is a less invasive foot and ankle surgery procedure utilizing an arthroscope, which is a flexible tube with a video camera and light attached at the and. This small tool can be inserted into the ankle joint to both diagnose and treat any issues we discover.

The arthroscope’s camera projects images onto a large monitor, which your surgeon uses to look for damage to your foot and ankle, determine the type and extent of the injury, and repair any problems. Arthroscopic surgery is an orthopedic treatment method that can be performed as an outpatient procedure following the proper diagnosis of your bone or joint injuries.

Conditions Treated By Ankle Arthroscopy

When you come to OrthoBethesda with ankle complaints, we generally begin with conservative treatment options, including medication, physical therapy, or injections. However, if pain or mobility issues continue, ankle arthroscopy has proven to be a highly effective means of managing a variety of ankle disorders. Some of the conditions we treat using ankle arthroscopy include:

  • Arthritis of the ankle
  • Unstable ankle
  • Ankle fracture
  • Osteochondral defects of the talus
  • Infection

Ankle arthroscopy can also be used to treat undiagnosed ankle pain, as the procedure allows us to both explore and fix any issues we discover during the surgery. This is very important in the diagnosis and treatment of various foot, ankle, and other issues.

Your Best Choice for Ankle Arthroscopy near Bethesda

If you and your OrthoBethesda surgeon decide to move forward with ankle arthroscopy using an arthroscope, we will ensure you fully understand what the process entails ahead of time.

  1. Two to three small incisions made around the joint give your surgeon access to the ankle during the arthroscopic procedure of the bone.
  2. The arthroscope used is inserted through one of these incisions.
  3. Your doctor will pump a sterile solution into the joint, expanding the area, and creating more room for them to work.
  4. Using the images displayed on the large monitor, your surgeon can visualize the back of the joint and determine the extent of damage that needs to be surgically treated.
  5. Small surgical tools are inserted through the incisions to treat any problems.
  6. Once the procedure is complete, the incision is closed and covered with a bandage for proper care.

Recovery After Foot and Ankle Surgery

After your surgery, you’ll be taken to recovery. Your ankle will be immobilized using a splint or cast during your recovery period. The duration of this time varies depending on the type of repair the surgeon performed.

As you heal, be sure to keep the surgical site clean and dry. Your surgery sports medicine doctor will prescribe you pain medication to help you manage any discomfort you experience. You can also elevate your ankle joint or apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.

Ankle arthroscopy is relatively safe with a low incidence of complications. As with any surgery, however, there are a few risks you should be aware of, such as damage to nerves or blood vessels, infection, bleeding, and compartment syndrome. Be sure to come back to the office should you not feel well after undergoing surgery foot and ankle.

Advantages of Ankle Arthroscopy

There are many benefits to ankle arthroscopy, especially when compared to the alternative — open foot ankle surgery — such as:

  • Small incisions versus a large incision
  • Shorter hospitalization
  • Less scarring
  • Minimal trauma to soft tissue
  • Less pain
  • Faster recovery time
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Earlier mobilization

Testimonials for Dr. Andre R. Gazdag, Bethesda, MD, Resident Foot and Ankle Specialist:

Both my husband and I have seen Dr. Gazdag. As a former doctor myself, I’m very picky to say the least. Dr. Gazdag is very nice, knowledgeable, efficient, friendly, and reassuring. Have referred many patients to him. All of whom have been equally pleased with the care they received! – M.B.

Call OrthoBethesda Today

Did you suffer an ankle fracture, joint injury, or bone fracture in the foot? If so, these orthopedic conditions can be treated at the OrthoBethesda center located in Bethesda, MD, right next to Chevy Chase and Rockville, MD. Foot ankle arthritis, ankle replacement, joint replacement, and plantar fasciitis can all be treated by the sports medicine team at our Bethesda, MD center. Request an appointment today by calling (301) 530-1010. Diagnosis and treatment can be performed all in one building. Stop living with orthopedic pain and get back to enjoying an active life as soon as possible. We build a plan for care based on each individual patient and their orthopedic conditions.

Further Reading

What to Wear and What Not to Wear During Surgery

Top of Foot: Treatment Tips for Fracture, Sprain or Strain

 

Schedule an Appointment
cta-bg">

Contact OrthoBethesda to Find Out More About Ankle Arthroscopy

For patients living near Bethesda, MD, we invite you to contact us to find out more about the less invasive ankle and foot arthroscopy surgeries. When you meet with one of our physicians, they can go over your treatment options and ensure this is the best plan of action for your ankle issues. Contact OrthoBethesda today to make an appointment by calling (301) 530-1010.