FAQs
What does a foot and ankle arthroscopy treat?
A foot and ankle arthroscopy can restore function and eliminate pain in the foot or ankle in most patients. A foot and ankle arthroscopy may be recommended for these foot and ankle problems:
- Arthritis
- Fractures
- Foot and ankle instability
- Infection in the foot or ankle
- Loose cartilage or bone fragments
What is this procedure for and how will it alleviate my symptoms?
A foot and ankle scope can be undertaken for a number of reasons. Often the best place to start is with an arthroscopy which is a surgical procedure used to diagnose the cause of foot and ankle pain. Ankle and foot pain can often result from torn cartilage, ligament damage caused by a sprained ankle, or another ankle injury.
What happens during surgery?
This is a general anaesthetic procedure in which the surgeon uses the arthroscope — a tiny camera — to look directly into the joint. This enables a quicker recovery and a more accurate diagnosis so the surgeon can decide on the best treatment option. The surgeon can then proceed with the surgical plan as discussed at the time of your consultation.
How do I qualify for this procedure?
All patients are requested to complete a Pre-Surgical Patient Questionnaire to provide us with your basic medical history. We also require your most recent diagnostics, x-rays, MRI, etc. and should these confirm you are a suitable patient for the procedure and our facility we will request a History and Physical along with bloodwork and ECG from your family doctor.
What is the average process like and how long will it take for me to return to my normal activities?
Upon receipt of the patient’s medical documentation, booking the surgeon consultation can be arranged within 1 week, and surgery scheduled within 2 to 4 weeks. Recovery time varies by patient and procedure. Your surgeon can advise you of the post-op recovery and rehabilitation protocols associated with your procedure at the time of your consultation. Often with foot and ankle surgery there is a period of non-weightbearing but some people are up and walking the day of their surgery. Again, a return to activities of daily living and work are procedure and patient specific, but most are back to normal within 3 to 4 months and specialty sports or lifestyle within 6 months.
How should I prepare for my surgery?
In preparation of your surgery you will be encouraged to keep moving as much as possible. Pre-Hab physio is sometimes helpful in this regard. Your surgeon will best advise how to prepare based on the required procedure. Often pre-surgical fitness has a direct impact on your achieving the best possible outcome following your surgery.