Ankle arthroscopy (cartilage regeneration)
Foot & ankle surgery
Ankle · foot
Cartilage is sometimes damaged after an ankle sprain or fracture. Where the damage is not extensive, an arthroscope is inserted through a minimal incision to see the lesion directly, and the marrow beneath the damaged area is stimulated so that stem cells rise into it, inducing cartilage regeneration.
Anesthesia, hospital stay and recovery time depend on the extent of injury and your general condition. The operating surgeon explains this after the consultation.
When surgery is indicated
- Pain persisting after an ankle injury
- A sound from the ankle with pain, or a catching sensation (locking)
- Ankle pain and swelling that do not settle
Ankle arthroscopy (cartilage regeneration) — benefits
- The operation is short, taking about 30 minutes, and the pain is mild.
- Ankle function can be restored close to normal.
- The progression of ankle arthritis can be stopped or slowed.
- Other lesions in the ankle can be treated in the same operation.
Process
How surgery proceeds
This is the shared pathway for the Surgery Center. Details for each procedure are covered in the consultation.
- 01
Precise diagnosis
MRI and CT are taken the same day and read by a radiologist that same day.
- 02
Surgical consultation
The operating surgeon explains in person why surgery is needed, what the alternatives are and how recovery is expected to go.
- 03
Surgery · inpatient care
The operation is performed in the annex theatre, and recovery is managed on the ward as the condition requires.
- 04
Rehabilitation · follow-up
After discharge the same team continues to follow your progress and rehabilitation in the outpatient clinic.