Technology and unique instrumentation have led to the development of surgical techniques for the diagnosis and repair of joint disorders.  

Your podiatrist surgeon may identify a potential problem with a foot or ankle joint after examining the lower extremity.  Arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to confirm a diagnosis or perform a surgical procedure within a joint using an arthroscopic instrument.   As an example, a needle-like probe enter the joint through a small opening of the skin.  The podiatric surgeon may also insert surgical instruments through another small incision to perform additional procedures within the joint.

Arthroscopy uses small openings to examine the joint, unlike traditional joint surgery that requires large incisions to expose the joint.  By eliminating the need for large incisions, arthroscopy reduces the risk of infection and swelling.  Our podiatric surgeons use delicate instruments and miniature video cameras to perform arthroscopic surgery.  These instruments include cutting tools, burrs, graspers, shavers, fastening tools, sutures, laser and electrocautery to control bleeding.

Arthroscopic techniques allow for a variety of procedures that are performed on foot and ankle joints.  Below are some conditions for which the arthroscope can be used to diagnose and perform reconstructive procedures:

Advantages of Arthroscopic surgery include reduced trauma due to the small instruments used.  Small instruments cause less damage to surrounding skin, ligaments, tendons and bony structures.  Movement of the joint reduces swelling, stiffness and postoperative discomfort.  Your podiatric surgeon may recommend exercising the joint to hasten your recovery to bathing, walking and sports activity.

The surgery itself can be performed in a hospital, outpatient surgery center or in your podiatrist's office.  Arthroscopy is often a same day procedure allowing the patient to return home after surgery.