Ankle Surgery Options

Ankle Surgery Options, TPL Orthopedics and Sports MedicineAnkle injuries or defects can be corrected with the help of traditional or arthroscopic ankle surgery. Ankle arthroscopy is recommended in many cases because it is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat problems of the ankle. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide ankle surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Anterior Ankle Arthroscopy

This procedure involves the use of a tiny fiber optic camera or arthroscope that is inserted into the damaged ankle area through a small incision. The camera will magnify and transmit images of the ankle to a monitor, which enables the surgeon to perform more targeted surgery in a less invasive manner.

 

Ankle Arthritis

Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis can benefit from ankle fusion, which can be performed with ankle arthroscopy. Results of the procedure can match or be better than open surgery.

 

Ankle Fractures  

Fracture repair can be used with the help of ankle arthroscopy and open techniques. Normal alignment of the bone and cartilage can be achieved with this procedure.

 

Ankle Instability

If the ankle ligaments are stretched out, the patient will feel instability in the ankle. Arthroscopic or open techniques can be used to tighten the ligaments.

 

Anterior Ankle Impingement

Athletes or footballers may suffer from ankle impingement when the bone or soft tissue at the front of the ankle joint is inflamed. Arthroscopy can be applied to shave off inflamed tissue and bone spurs.

 

Arthrofibrosis

The formation of scar tissue within the ankle can result in a stiff and painful joint. Ankle arthroscopy can identify the scar tissue and remove it successfully.

 

Infection

If an infection occurs in the ankle joint, it may not be eliminated with antibiotics alone. Arthroscopic surgery can be used to wash out the joint and restore ankle health.

 

Loose Bodies

Bone, cartilage and scar tissue may become free floating in the joint. This can cause pain and create clicking and catching problems in the ankle. Sometimes the ankle joint may get locked. Ankle arthroscopy can identify and remove the loose bodies.

 

Osteochondral Defect (OCD)

Ankle fractures and sprains may cause OCDs. Ankle surgery in this case may involve scraping away of the damaged cartilage and drilling tiny holes in the bone to support healing.

 

Synovitis

The synovial tissue lining of the ankle joint can become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. The inflamed tissue can be removed surgically with ankle arthroscopy. Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.

 

Total Ankle Replacement

Total ankle arthroplasty can be performed using general anesthesia or nerve block. The surgeon will approach the ankle from the front or the side depending on the type of ankle implant being used. The bone will cut to allow for the placement of plastic and metal components that will re-create the ankle joint.

Sometimes the patient may have a tight Achilles tendon or a tight calf muscle that will require lengthening to improve the ankle’s range of motion. Thereafter, the incisions are closed with sutures and a splint is applied.

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

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