There can be many causes of pain in the ankle joint. An operation/arthroscopy is not necessary in all cases. The cause of pain is often ligament or cartilage injuries, which can occur after sprains or impacts.

The pain can also be a consequence of prolonged ligament injuries. The ankle joint may be unstable, or the pain may be due to folds in the synovial membrane that can become trapped in the ankle joint.

What are the symptoms?

Pain, swelling and instability are the most common symptoms. They can occur acutely with sprains or gradually as a result of developing wear and tear.

How is the examination performed?

The first step is a thorough examination and review of your problem by one of our orthopaedic surgeons.                                                                                                                 It is often difficult to make the specific diagnosis by examining the ankle joint and using X-ray images. Therefore, an MRI scan of the ankle joint is often performed, which provides a better picture of the situation before we make a decision about possible surgery. In addition, we often attempt rehabilitation before deciding whether it is necessary to operate.

How is the operation performed

During an operation/arthroscopy, the doctor can make a diagnosis or have a diagnosis confirmed. In many cases, surgery can be performed via the arthroscope, but the arthroscopy is not always curative in itself.

If there is, for example, extensive cartilage damage, the condition cannot be cured. If, on the other hand, a loose body (loose cartilage fragments) or irritated synovial folds are found, they can be removed immediately.    

During the operation, the arthroscope is inserted into the ankle joint through two small incisions (3-4 mm) on the front of the ankle joint. However, it is sometimes necessary to make the incisions to the ankle joint larger, for example if a larger loose body needs to be removed.

The operation takes approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the procedure.

Approximately 80-85% of patients are satisfied with the result of the operation. Around 15% of patients do not feel they have achieved the result they expected because they still have pain to some degree.

You should be patient for a period of up to 6 months after an arthroscopy. In some cases, the condition improves slowly. After surgery, you will be referred to rehabilitation with a physiotherapist.

Please note that if you develop wounds or scratches on your foot, you should contact us, as this may mean that the operation must be postponed.

After the operation

After the operation, you will receive additional pain treatment if needed.

The aftercare also depends on what changes are found during the operation and what procedure is performed inside the ankle joint.

For the first 3 days after an arthroscopy of the ankle joint, you should rest. You may only place light weight on the foot, and you should avoid any form of movement in the ankle joint. After that, you can remove the support bandage, and you may begin with gentle movement exercises with increasing load.

The sutures are removed after approximately 10-12 days in the outpatient clinic or at your doctor’s.

You can prevent swelling by keeping your foot elevated for the first few days after the operation.

A very small percentage experience involvement of a small nerve branch on the front of the ankle joint, and this can give a sensation that the skin on the foot is numb in the area supplied by the nerve. However, this will usually subside.

Safe and rapid clarification

At CPH Privathospital, we have specialists in ankle surgery. They only use the most gentle techniques, which result in less pain after the operation, smaller scars, faster rehabilitation and better results. Contact us today for rapid clarification.

Our consultants are ready to help you, so you can quickly receive the correct diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire course of treatment.