Ankle Arthroscopy (A Minimally Invasive Ankle Examination Procedure)

· Those who need a safe ankle related treatment in Mexicali.
· Those with ankle joint pain.
· Those with bone spurs / loose debris in their ankles.
· Those who wish to restore ankle cartilage damage.
· Those who wish to be able to walk, run and jump well.

Ankle Arthroscopy is known to be a minimally invasive procedure performed especially to diagnose and treat ankle conditions without having done invasive surgeries. Usually performed under general anesthesia, you can either rest at the comfort of your home, hotel room or stay the night at our affiliated hospital.

· Cartilage damage
· Loose bodies
· Scar tissues
· Bone spurs
· Posterior Ankle Pain
· Joint sepsis

Sometimes referred as ankle scoping procedure, this procedure involves a few small incisions through your ankle for arthroscope insertion and other related surgical tools, whichever necessary. The incisions are small enough to cause huge disruption to your ankle joint and soft tissues.

Generally, ankle arthroscopy procedure is as follows:

1. After your ankle has been cleaned and sterilized, your ankle will be numbed.
2. Small incisions will be made for the insertion of an intravenous access device.
3. The intravenous access device will be placed in different areas around your ankle for the instruments and camera to be placed in. Damaged structures are removed.
4. The small incisions will be stitched and bandaged.

· Arthroscopy is minimally invasive as compared to open surgery
· Arthroscopy results in less pain and scarring
· Arthroscopy has fewer complications and less risk of infection compared to open surgery
· Arthroscopy has a shorter period of recovery
· Arthroscopy also allows surgeons to perform ankle preservation in order to treat conditions that cause osteoarthritis

<Advantages>
· Short recovery period
· Safe procedure
· Minimally Invasive
· Minimizes pain and scarring
· Treats ankle conditions

<Limitations>
· Bleeding and infection may occur

· Notify the surgeon of your current medicine prescriptions if any.
· Stop taking any blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen and Advil for 2 weeks
· Stop smoking and drinking for a few days
· Fast 6 to 8 hours prior the surgery

· Take your medications as prescribed
· Do not shower for at least 48 hrs
· Keep surgical site clean and dry at all time
· Perform physical therapy to expedite recovery
· Use crutches when walking as a weight bearing tool
· Move every 30 mins to prevent stiffness

Q1: Will I be allowed to drive myself home?
A1: No, in most cases you will only be permitted to drive 7 to 10 days after the surgery.

Q2: Will it hurt?
A2: Since anesthesia will be used, you will undergo a painless surgery. If you cannot bear the pain after the surgery, you can take the medicine prescribed

Q3: Will I be able to walk normally?
A3: Of course, but not immediately. It may take you a few weeks or months until you reach total recovery. Once you have passed that, you will be able to walk as you have always been

Q4: Will my conditions be treated well?
A4: According to studies, arthroscopy surgery success rate is at least 85%

Q5: I have ankle arthritits, will this be a good treatment for me?
A5: If you have a severe ankle arthritis, this procedure may not be beneficial for you.

Q6: I have had a history of heart attack, will it be okay for me to undergo this surgery?
A6: Best to know if you first consult with your medical physician about this. Generally, this may not be appropriate for those who have active infections or those suffering other medical problems.

[Clinic Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations / Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday - Sunday (24 hrs)