Patient Information Resources


Orthopedic Services
Glendale Adventist Medical Center
1509 Wilson Terrace
Glendale, CA 91206
Ph: (818) 409-8000






Ankle
Elbow
Foot
Fractures
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

After years of ankle sprains, my doctor has suggested surgery to repair the damage and get on with my life. It sounds like they would have to make a fairly long incision on the outside of my lower leg down to my foot. When I had knee surgery last year, they just used a scope. Why can't they do ankle surgery for me with a scope?

Chronic ankle sprains can result in major scarring, soft tissue damage, and joint instability. The tendons along the outside of your ankle start up at the top of your lower leg and travel all the way down to the bones of your foot. If tendon repair or reconstruction is needed, an open incision is required to gain access to all the structures involved. When knee surgery is performed arthroscopically, the damage is confined within the joint and can be seen with a scope. The surgeon may have to enter the knee joint at several different points to see from different angles, but an open incision is no longer needed. The foot and ankle is a much more complex anatomical structure. For simple procedures, a scope may be possible. In your case, it sounds like the damage is more extensive requiring open access to the area.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.