For immediate release

Media contact: Mark Forstneger
(773) 693-9300
forstneger@acfas.org

Arthroscopy Technology Repairs Damaged Ankles, Relieves Arthritis Pain

CHICAGO – Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique widely known for treating knee injuries, is being applied in new ways by foot and ankle surgeons to relieve a variety of nagging ankle problems, including ligament damage, bone chips and recurrent pain from end-stage arthritis. Patients with ankle damage caused by injury or arthritis can be treated with new arthroscopic technology and resume normal activity in a week or less.

"Previously, it would be necessary to cut bone open to remove diseased joints in ankle fusion procedures to relieve arthritis pain," said John J. Stienstra, DPM, FACFAS, past president, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. "But arthroscopic techniques reduce biologic and financial costs by sparing the patient from surgical injury, anesthesia, hospitalization and lengthy recovery and rehab time."

For many with end-stage arthritis, fusion surgery is the last resort to relieve persistent and debilitating pain in the ankle joint. "With arthroscopy, the success of ankle-fusion surgery is significantly improved compared to traditional surgery," said Stienstra. "Now it takes far less time to achieve fusion with improved cosmetic effect, and the percentage of favorable and pain-free outcomes is much better."

Emerging technology using electrothermal and laser probes has expanded the utility of arthroscopy in removing bone chips and repairing tissue damage in the ankle. In many cases, a severe ankle sprain never heals properly, leaving scar tissue or damaged ligaments and cartilage that can cause periodic pain and swelling.

"When patients complain of non-specific pain and swelling in the ankle and tests are normal, the arthroscope allows us to make a diagnosis without the need for invasive exploratory surgery," Stienstra explained. "If tissue damage is detected, thermal probes can shrink and tighten loosened ligaments in a fraction of the time required with conventional ankle surgery."

Stienstra added that patients with persistent ankle pain should consult a foot and ankle surgeon to obtain a proper diagnosis and learn if they are candidates for arthroscopic ankle surgery.

For more information on foot and ankle health, or to find a foot and ankle surgeon in your area, visit FootPhysicians.com, the ACFAS consumer Web site.