Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery

When You Need to Regain Strength in Your Ankles

Arthroscopic ankle surgery typically involves the tendons, the connective tissue that links muscle and bone. Within your ankle, the tendons are separated into two distinct groups: The Achilles, which connects the muscles in your calf to the ankle, and the peroneal tendons, which connect the lower leg muscles to the outer segment of your ankle. If you are having any issues with these tendons, it may be best to consult the doctors a miVIP Surgery Centers as soon as possible.

These tendon groupings can become loose, or they can be partially or completely torn. There are a number of factors that may place you at increased risk for damage to your tendons:

• Over the age of 35
• History of gout or hyperparathyroidism
• Taking certain medications, such as fluoroquinolone
• Infrequent, rigorous exercise

There are other risk factors that may fall outside of your control when it comes to tendon damage, such as falls from fairly significant heights, or sprains caused by uneven terrain. There are instances in which you may have suffered damage to a tendon but are not aware of any pain or notice any symptoms. However, there are several symptoms that may indicate damage:

• Standing upright becomes difficult
• Foot feels weak when “pushing off”
• Noise coming from the ankle, such as popping or snapping
• Pain and swelling, sometimes severe

While surgery is not always necessary, further damage can be done to the ankle if left untreated. It may remain in a weakened state, or become more prone to future injuries. It is always best to consult a doctor and consider arthroscopic ankle surgery as an option.

How Is Ankle Surgery Performed?

Because tendons are much more vascular than ligaments, they are generally easier to heal and the recovery process is shorter. This is due to the increased blood flow that is present in the tendons, which allows surgeons to simply stitch the tear in the tendon back together, causing it to regenerate via the body’s natural processes.

Ankle arthroscopic tendon repair is performed using a minimally invasive approach. Surgeons are able to utilize a smaller incision thanks to the arthroscopy, which results in an accelerated recovery time and a significantly reduced chance of infection. The method the surgeon will employ depends upon the nature of your specific injury. If you suffered from a peroneal rupture of the tendon, the surgeon will remove the portion that is damaged and link the tendons together, ultimately resulting in increased stability and strength. If repair is needed to the Achilles tendon, your surgeon may use tendons that are nearby to anchor the Achilles, or may link the damaged tendon back together.

The Surgeons at miVIP Are Experienced and Knowledgeable

The surgeons at miVIP are among the most experienced surgeons there are when it comes to foot surgery. Having performed arthroscopic ankle surgery on a number of occasions has resulted in the use of some of the most advanced methods available in the industry. Our experience allows our patients to have the best possible ankle arthroscopic tendon repair and recovery available.

What to Expect After Undergoing Ankle Surgery

While the recovery process is accelerated due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, patients should still expect to devote some time to physical therapy. Fortunately, many of our patients report that their ankle feels stronger than ever once they have fully recovered from the procedure.

Cost Associated With Ankle Surgery

All health insurance plans differ, and the cost of this procedure is dependent upon your insurance carrier. If you would like more information on what your insurance provider will cover, or would like help creating a financial plan, please feel free to call our representatives to discuss your options.