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Everything you need to know
Arthroscopy of the ankle and big toe joint is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions in the ankle and big toe. Arthroscopy involves the use of a small, flexible camera called an arthroscope, which is inserted into the joint through tiny incisions. This camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a monitor and perform surgical procedures with specialised instruments, if needed.
When the cause of your toe or ankle pain, swelling, or discomfort is not clear through other diagnostic methods like imaging or physical examination, arthroscopy can help identify and diagnose your condition. If you’re suffering from:
- Chronic Pain
- Swelling
- Instability
- Stiffness
Then it’s possible that the cause of your pain could be due to ankle or big toe arthritis, a fracture, a sprain, or osteochondral issues. An arthroscopy could allow you to find out what’s going on in your body and how we best fix your issues.
Arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, shorter recovery times, and less scarring. It is commonly used to treat conditions like ankle impingement, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and arthritis in the ankle and big toe joints.
Before surgery
You’ll meet with our orthopaedic consultant first. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your medical history, evaluate your physical health, and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the condition of your ankle and big toe. If your consultant suggests that arthroscopy is right for you, and you decide to go down that route, you’ll need to follow pre-operative advice. This may include stopping eating or drinking for 8 hours, following a healthy diet in the time leading up to the operation, and ceasing any medication that may interfere.
During surgery
A general or local anaesthetic will be used when you undergo this surgery, depending on the previous discussion with your consultant.
Once the anaesthetic kicks in, the surgeon will begin by making a small incision in the affected area.
Typical arthroscopic techniques include inserting a thin fibre-optic camera through the incision, the team is then able to see an intraoperative arthroscopic picture on a screen. This helps guide the surgeon to see where the damage is.
The arthroscopic camera also shows whether there are any loose bodies, if the patient is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or whether any tissue needs to be removed.
Once the procedure is completed, the wound is closed with stitches. The patient is then taken to the recovery ward to begin the healing process.
Post-surgery
After your surgery, your ankle will be bandaged for two weeks. It might be that you use crutches or wear a special boot at this time.
However, if you have someone to help you, you should be able to go home on the same day of your operation. You’ll need to keep your foot or ankle raised whenever possible.
After the first week post-surgery, your pain levels should decrease, and you’ll be able to walk short distances. For up to three months, you’ll likely have a physiotherapist to help you with the use of your ankle or foot.
This relationship will be important as it will help you understand where you are on your recovery journey. Depending on the type of arthroscopic procedure performed, at around six months, you should find yourself back to normal life.
Medically reviewed by Mr Aria Ghassemi - MBBS MRCS FRCS MSc Dip (Imperial College)
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.