Ankle Arthroscopy and Fusion in Surat
Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, advises on ankle arthroscopy in Surat for ankle pain, catching or stiffness that persists after injury, and offers ankle fusion for advanced ankle arthritis. Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery: a thin camera and small instruments go into the joint through a few small cuts.
What is ankle arthroscopy?
Ankle arthroscopy lets the surgeon see inside the joint with a thin camera, the arthroscope, passed through a few small cuts at the front of the ankle. Fine instruments go in through the other cuts, so many problems can be treated in the same sitting. The cuts are smaller than those for open ankle surgery. It is often called keyhole surgery.
When is ankle arthroscopy advised?
Arthroscopy is considered after examination and scans, usually once physiotherapy has been tried. Common reasons are:
- Pain, catching or clicking that persists after a sprain, from scar tissue or inflamed lining in the joint
- Bony spurs at the front of the ankle that block upward movement, seen in footballers and dancers
- Cartilage damage on the talus, the bone at the top of the ankle, including a loose fragment
- Loose bodies inside the joint
- A history of the ankle giving way, where the joint is checked and ligament repair may be done in the same sitting
- Occasionally, to look inside the joint when pain persists and scans have not found the cause, once other options have been tried
Arthroscopy does not treat ankle arthritis itself. It can remove spurs or loose fragments that add to the symptoms, but it does not restore worn cartilage.
Before and during ankle arthroscopy
Assessment includes examination, X-rays taken standing, usually an MRI, and a review of medicines and general fitness. The operation is done under spinal or general anaesthesia, as decided with the anaesthetist. Two or three small cuts are made at the front of the ankle, the joint is filled with fluid, and the surgeon looks around the joint before trimming spurs, removing loose pieces or treating damaged cartilage. The cuts are closed with a few stitches and a dressing. Many patients go home the same day or the next day.
Recovery and risks after ankle arthroscopy
For the first days the ankle is kept raised, and crutches are used. How soon weight can be put on the foot depends on what was done: often early after removing spurs or loose fragments, and delayed for some weeks after a cartilage procedure. Physiotherapy works on movement, balance and strength. Desk work may be possible within a couple of weeks, while sport takes longer and is cleared at review.
Risks include infection, stiffness, swelling that lasts, numbness or tingling over the top of the foot from irritation of a small skin nerve, a blood clot in the leg, and symptoms that do not improve or come back. Injury to a larger nerve or blood vessel is uncommon.
Ankle fusion for advanced arthritis
In advanced ankle arthritis the joint surfaces are worn and each step hurts. It often follows an old fracture or ligament injury, and may also come from osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. When pain limits walking despite footwear changes, walking aids and physiotherapy, ankle fusion is the operation Dr. Khanna offers. It joins the bones so that the joint no longer moves and the pain from it settles. Fusion is generally preferred in younger, active patients. It limits movement at the ankle and can load the joints beside it. The decision follows X-rays taken standing, sometimes a CT scan, and a detailed discussion.
Ankle replacement, which swaps the worn surfaces for metal and plastic parts and keeps movement, also exists. Dr. Khanna does not perform it; a patient who may suit it, usually an older person with good alignment and stable ligaments, has the option explained and is referred. Ankle replacements have less long-term follow-up than hip or knee replacements, and a replaced ankle can loosen or wear over time and may need revision.
When to see a doctor about ankle pain
Book an assessment if ankle pain, catching, swelling or giving way has lasted more than a few weeks after a sprain, or if the ankle hurts with every step. After a fresh injury, being unable to put weight on the foot needs an X-ray soon. A hot, red, swollen ankle with fever needs same-day attention.
Ankle problems are seen at the Athwa Gate OPD, Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM. This page sits under the foot and ankle surgeon page, and ankle ligament injuries are on the ligament tear page.
OPD venue and timings in Surat
Mahavir Hospital — Athwa
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment
To book an appointment, message on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922. WhatsApp is for booking and OPD timings; examination and advice happen at the consultation, not over chat.
Frequently asked questions: ankle arthroscopy in Surat
What is ankle arthroscopy used for?
Ankle arthroscopy is used to look inside the ankle joint and treat problems such as bony spurs, loose fragments, inflamed joint lining, scar tissue after a sprain and some cartilage damage. It is advised when pain, catching or stiffness continues despite physiotherapy and the scans suggest a problem the camera can reach.
Is ankle arthroscopy major surgery?
It is smaller than open ankle surgery, but it is still surgery under anaesthesia and carries the usual surgical and anaesthetic risks. Many patients go home the same day or the next day, depending on what is done inside the joint.
How long does recovery take after ankle arthroscopy?
It depends on the procedure. After removing spurs or loose fragments, walking with support often starts early and ordinary activity returns over weeks. After treatment of cartilage damage, weight bearing is delayed for some weeks, and full recovery takes longer.
Does ankle arthroscopy help ankle arthritis?
No. It can help symptoms caused by spurs, loose fragments or inflamed tissue, but it does not restore worn cartilage. Whether it is likely to help is judged on examination and imaging, and in some patients it is not advised.
When is ankle fusion considered?
Ankle fusion is considered for advanced arthritis of the ankle when pain limits walking despite footwear changes, walking aids and physiotherapy. Suitability depends on alignment, bone quality, age, activity and general health. Dr. Khanna does not perform ankle replacement; where it may suit a patient, it is explained and the patient is referred.
Does ankle fusion stop the ankle from moving?
Yes, at the joint that is fused. Ankle fusion joins the bones so the joint no longer moves, which settles the pain from the joint but limits movement and can load the joints beside it. Each operation has its own risks, and the choice is made after assessment.
Can I get a second opinion before ankle surgery?
Yes. Take the X-rays, MRI and reports to the visit; the ankle is examined and the options are laid out, including carrying on with non-surgical care.
Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for ankle arthroscopy in Surat?
At Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM, by appointment. Book via WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922.
Related pages
Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Surat
Fractures, heel pain, bunion, flat foot, diabetic foot and clubfoot.
View page ServicesLigament Tear Treatment in Surat
Ankle and knee ligament injuries.
View page ServicesArthroscopy Surgeon in Surat
Keyhole surgery of the knee, shoulder and other joints.
View page ServicesAchilles Tendon Surgery in Surat
Ruptured Achilles tendon: repair or boot treatment.
View page