Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery to diagnose and treat painful conditions of the ankle.

The ankle is a complicated joint prone to injuries. Ligament tears, bone fractures, and cartilage injuries can occur playing sports or even walking on uneven ground. Arthritis and inflammation can also cause serious ankle pain.

The orthopaedic surgeons at UPMC are experts at treating all types of ankle problems. If your ankle pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend ankle scope surgery.

What Is Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating ankle problems. That means surgeons make small incisions to insert an arthroscope, or ankle scope.

The arthroscope consists of a tiny camera, a light, and surgical tools. During arthroscopic ankle surgery, the ankle scope connects to a video monitor in the operating room. This allows the surgeon to get a close-up view of your ankle and repair any damaged tissues.

Ankle arthroscopy procedures are very common. With advances in technology, they have become standard procedure for treating many ankle conditions.

Ankle arthroscopy is one of the safest, least invasive operations you can have. The advantages over traditional open surgery include:

• Faster recovery.
• Fewer complications.
• Less loss of blood.
• Less pain during recovery.
• Less scarring because the incisions are smaller.

Conditions we treat with ankle arthroscopy

We treat a wide range of problems with ankle arthroscopy, including:

• Ankle impingement — Overuse can cause swelling around your ankle, making the joint sore, stiff, and hard to move. Doctors can remove overgrown tissue with ankle arthroscopy.
• Arthritis — Ankle arthroscopy can clear blockages and smooth surfaces in the ankle joint. It’s best for the early stages of arthritis.
• Cartilage and bone injuries — Surgery can help diagnose and repair these injuries. Doctors may be able to remove loose pieces of bone or cartilage, reducing pain and increasing range of motion.
• Excess scar tissue — Often formed after an ankle injury. Surgery can remove the scar tissue, so your joint can move normally.
• Torn ligaments — These are bands of tissue that connect bones on the sides of your ankles and provide stability. They can easily get torn during sports or other sudden movements. Surgery can help repair or clean up torn ligaments.
• Unexplained ankle pain — Using an ankle scope allows doctors to get a clear look at what might be causing your pain.

Why Would I Need Ankle Arthroscopy?

If ankle pain interferes with your movement or daily activities, an ankle scope can help pinpoint the issue and treat it. Or, if you had an injury to your ankle that’s still causing problems, arthroscopy may be a good option.

Ankle arthroscopy can give you back mobility and a better range of motion. It can relieve pain and improve your overall quality of life.

Who is a candidate for ankle arthroscopy?

Your doctor may recommend arthroscopy for ankle problems if:

• You have chronic ankle pain or a diagnosed ankle condition or injury.
• You have mild or beginning stage arthritis.
• Your condition hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections.
• You’re in good overall health.

You may not be a good candidate for the procedure if you have:

• A bleeding disorder.
• A history of smoking.
• An active infection.
• Obesity.
• Poor circulation.
• Severe arthritis.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.

Alternatives to ankle arthroscopy

Before recommending ankle arthroscopy, your doctor will try more conservative treatments.

These may include:

• Activity modification.
• Braces.
• Corticosteroid injections.
• Custom orthotics in your shoes.
• Medication.
• Physical therapy.
• Walking boots.
• Weight loss.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Ankle Arthroscopy?

Ankle arthroscopy is a very safe procedure, but every surgery has some risks.

General risks of surgery include:

• Allergic reactions to medicine.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots.
• Breathing problems.
• Infection.

Other risks of ankle arthroscopy include:

• Ankle weakness.
• Damage to the tissue surrounding your ankle.
• Failure of the incision to heal.
• Injury to tendons or blood vessels.
• Nerve damage.
• Numbness in your foot or ankle.
• Swelling.

What Should I Expect from Ankle Arthroscopy?

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or taking any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. You should also tell your doctor if you have more than one or two alcoholic drinks per day.

Recovery time can vary, from a few weeks to several months. You won’t be able to drive for up to eight weeks. You may need to use a walker or crutches for up to six weeks.

Before: How to prepare for ankle arthroscopy

Ask your doctor what medications are ok to take before your surgery. Two weeks before the procedure, you may need to stop taking blood thinners and other medicines.

You should stop eating and drinking the night before the surgery. Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you.

You will probably go home the same day as the surgery, so make sure you have someone to drive you.

How long does ankle arthroscopy take?

The procedure itself may take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on how complicated your ankle condition is.

During your ankle arthroscopy

A doctor will give you anesthesia, so you don’t feel pain during the procedure. It may be general (you’ll be asleep) or local (only your foot or leg will be numb). Your doctor will talk to you about what kind of anesthesia is right for you.

The surgeon will make small cuts in the skin, then insert a tiny camera and special tools. (What kind of instruments will depend on your specific surgery.) The surgeon will look at video monitors to guide the tools.

They will make the cuts or repairs, remove the instruments, and close the incisions. You will go home with a bandage, but not a cast.

Recovery after ankle arthroscopy

Follow any instructions your doctor gives you, including:

• Ice your ankle for the first two days to reduce swelling.
• Keep your ankle elevated above your heart for two or three days. This will also help reduce swelling and pain.
• Keep your bandage clean and dry. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to change the dressing.
• Put weight on your foot when you feel comfortable doing so. You will need to use crutches or a walker for the first few weeks.
• Take pain relief medicine as needed.
• Use a splint or boot to keep the ankle stable once you become more active. Know that it may take several months to be back to your normal activities.

When to call your doctor about ankle arthroscopy post-op problems

You should call your doctor right away if you have:

• Excessive bleeding.
• Fever of more than 101° F.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Redness at the incision site.
• Severe pain.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-05-27.