Ankle arthroscopy is keyhole surgery used to diagnose and treat a range of problems inside the ankle joint, including bony or soft tissue impingement, loose bodies, cartilage damage (osteochondral lesions of the talus), and synovitis.
ℹ️ This appointment usually takes place 2-4 weeks before surgery. Ankle arthroscopy is typically a same-day procedure with a quick recovery.
You will have routine pre-operative checks. The specific intervention planned (e.g. bone spur removal, cartilage repair, loose body removal) will be confirmed based on your imaging.
Standard pre-operative checks.
Blood thinners may need to be paused before surgery.
Usually under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, with a popliteal nerve block giving post-operative pain relief.
Pre-operative MRI or CT scan is reviewed with you to confirm what will be addressed during the procedure.
Ankle arthroscopy is excellent for specific problems (impingement, loose bodies) but cannot reverse established arthritis. Outcomes depend on the underlying diagnosis.
ℹ️ You will be given a specific arrival time. Do not eat or drink (other than clear water up to 2 hours before) from midnight the night before. Bring your medication list and any documents sent by the hospital.
You will be admitted to the ward or day surgery unit, change into a gown, and be seen by the nursing, anaesthetic, and surgical teams before theatre.
Your surgeon will confirm the procedure, mark the operative side, and you will sign a consent form before going to theatre.
You will meet the anaesthetist in the anaesthetic room. Once anaesthesia is established, the procedure will begin.
After surgery you will wake in the recovery room where nurses monitor your vital signs until you are stable and comfortable.
Most foot and ankle surgery is performed as a day case, meaning you go home the same day. More complex procedures such as ankle replacement or flat foot reconstruction usually require 1-3 nights in hospital. Before discharge, the team will check your pain is controlled, give you wound care instructions, and confirm your follow-up appointment.
You will be given oral pain relief before discharge. Take it regularly for the first 48 hours rather than waiting until pain is severe.
A nurse will check the wound before you leave and explain how to keep it clean and dry.
You will be shown how to use crutches and given clear instructions about weight-bearing on your operated foot.
You will receive a letter for your GP and details of your next outpatient appointment, usually at 2 weeks for a wound check.
Arrange for a family member or friend to collect you. You must not drive after a general anaesthetic or sedation.
⚠️ Important: If cartilage repair (microfracture or osteochondral graft) was performed, weight-bearing restrictions are more prolonged, typically 6 weeks non-weight-bearing followed by progressive loading. Follow your specific instructions.
Keep the foot elevated above the level of your heart for as much of the day as possible during the first 2 weeks. This significantly reduces swelling and helps healing.
Avoid getting the wound wet until it is fully healed, usually 10-14 days. Use a waterproof cover when showering.
Do not wait until pain is severe before taking medication. Regular simple analgesia (paracetamol, ibuprofen if appropriate) is more effective than taking it only when needed.
This is usually 2 weeks after surgery. Sutures or clips will be removed if used.
Seek urgent advice if you develop increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge from the wound, calf pain or swelling (possible DVT), shortness of breath, or a temperature above 38°C.
Small portal wounds covered with light dressings. Walking on crutches with partial weight-bearing as comfort allows.
Outpatient appointment to check wounds. Sutures removed if used.
Transition to full weight-bearing in supportive shoes. Physiotherapy begins.
Most patients return to walking comfortably and resume low-impact activities.
Higher-impact activity and sport gradually reintroduced.
Usually two or three small (5mm) portals on the front of the ankle. Scars are minimal.
No, in most cases. A simple bandage and walking shoe is sufficient unless cartilage repair was performed.
Desk work: 1-2 weeks. Standing work: 2-4 weeks. Manual work: 4-8 weeks. Longer if cartilage repair was performed.
Around 80-90% of patients have a good outcome when treated for impingement or loose bodies. Outcomes for cartilage repair are more variable.
Plain-English answers to the things people most often ask, grounded in published guidance. Tap a question to open it.
It is keyhole surgery that lets the surgeon look inside the ankle through small cuts and treat problems such as impingement, loose fragments or cartilage damage.
What is done depends on what is found.
Usually a general or spinal anaesthetic, as a day case.
A nerve block may be added for pain relief.
Recovery is often quicker than open surgery, with a return to light activity over a few weeks depending on what was treated.
Your team will tailor the plan to your procedure.
Arthroscopy can treat specific problems inside the ankle, but it does not reverse established arthritis.
It is best suited to targeted issues rather than widespread joint wear.
Arrange a lift home, as you cannot drive immediately, and keep the wounds clean and dry.
Have crutches ready in case you need them.
Fever, spreading redness or discharge from the wounds can signal infection, and calf or chest symptoms can signal a clot.
Seek prompt help if these occur.