Non-surgical treatments can effectively treat many ankle problems, however, in some cases, ankle surgery provides the best chance at long-term pain relief and restored function. Ankle surgery may be performed to correct problems with the bones, joints, or soft tissues in the ankle. It is often a complex procedure that should be entrusted to a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon.

What Are Some Reasons For Ankle Surgery?

Ankle surgery is a possible treatment for the following:

• Ankle fracture
• Chronic tendonitis/synovitis of the ankle
• To repair a damaged joint due to ankle arthritis and remove loose cartilage, bone, and scar tissue
• To remove a bone spur
• To restore stability to the ankle
• To repair a torn ligament or tendon
• A traumatic injury to the blood vessels or nerves in the ankle
• To correct a birth defect or deformity of the bones, joints, or muscles in the ankles

What Are The Types of Ankle Surgery?

There are many different types of ankle surgery. Below are the most common ankle surgeries performed today:

Ankle Fracture Surgery

The surgery to repair a broken ankle is called an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The goal of this surgery is to realign the bones in the ankle, so they can heal properly. This type of surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.

During ORIF, the surgeon makes an incision over the ankle joint. Once the skin and soft tissue are moved out of the way, the surgeon can see the damaged bones and ligaments. The surgeon will then clean up any fragments before using metal screws and plates to hold the bones in place while they heal. In some cases, a bone graft may be necessary to help promote healing.

Ankle Tendon Repair and Reconstruction

Ankle tendon surgery is a procedure that is performed to repair or replace a damaged ankle tendon. The most common reason for this type of surgery is due to an injury, such as a torn Achilles tendon or degenerative changes to the tendon.

Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the ankle and using a camera to see inside the joint. The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and inserts an arthroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at its tip) into the joint. Images from the camera are projected onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint and repair or remove damaged tissue, as needed.

Arthroscopic ankle surgery is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which means there is less trauma to the surrounding tissues and a shorter recovery time. Arthroscopic ankle surgery allows the surgeon to see inside the joint more clearly and accurately without the tissue damage associated with open surgery, leading to improved surgical results. Because arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions, there is reduced scarring compared to open surgery. Patients who have arthroscopic ankle surgery typically experience less pain and a quicker return to normal activities.

Ankle Surgery in Cincinnati, OH

Trust the board-certified foot and ankle surgeons at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care for the expert treatment of your ankle issue. Our physicians are highly experienced in ankle surgery, including minimally invasive arthroscopic ankle surgery. We also provide physical therapy services in our facilities to support you throughout your recovery.

To schedule a consultation, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.