Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery

ARTHROSCOPIC SMALL JOINT SURGERY
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure surgeons use to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a Joint. In an arthroscopic examination, a surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the Joint. By attaching the instrument to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision. The surgeon can determine the amount or type of Injury, and then repair or correct the problem.

Diagnosing Joint injuries begins with a thorough medical history, physical exam, and usually X-rays. In addition, tests such as, MRI, or CT scans may also be needed. Through the arthroscope, a final diagnosis is made which may be more accurate than through "open" surgery or X-rays.

RECOVERY AFTER ARTHROSCOPY
Most surgical patients undergoing this procedure in a surgicenter as outpatients, are home several hours after the surgery. The small puncture wounds take several days to heal. Adhesive strips can be applied to cover the small healing incisions. A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested to speed your recovery and maximize function. It is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school and resume daily activity within a few days of the surgery. Recovery time will reflect on the individual and the type of surgery performed. As with all surgery, certain risks are involved. Although uncommon, complications may occur. They may include infection, phlebitis, excessive swelling, damage to nerves or blood vessels or instrument breakage, but occur in far less than 1% of all arthroscopic procedures.

The Galluzzo Foot & Ankle Center is

involved in finding surgeons in the area of Chicago that have a special interest in treating complex lower leg, ankle and foot conditions. Many of these conditions are a result of trauma, infectious or systemic diseases like diabetic neuroarthropathy (Charcot Joint), and rheumatoid arthritis.

The concept of external fixation has been utilitizied in cases of fracture of long bones, soft tissue lost, and limb deformities for a long time in the orthopedic community. The use of external ring fixator like Ilizarov, and Orthofix frames had provided great results in treating failed ankle fusions, triple arthrodesis and midfoot osteotomies. The treatment protocol usually consists of almost immediate weight bearing to promote the physiological advantage of the external fixator. The recovery is faster than traditional AO technique, fusion rates are in 90% in approximately 7 to 8 weeks.

Correction of soft tissue contractures and joint distraction is another surgical scenario that the use ring fixator are very beneficial, the gradual correction of soft tissue contractures instead of acute correction provides a more comfortable recovery for the patient without losing muscle strength, avoiding prolonged rehabilitation process, and decreased risk of nerve damaged caused by the acute corrections

Joint distraction is performed in patients, which are not candidates for joint replacement or fusions like adolescent patients with post-traumatic arthrosis. The main purpose of the distraction is save time and maintains the joint articulation. Early studies using this kind of technique indicate the patients experienced a significant decrease of the symptoms for an additional 5 to 8 years .

Dr. George Vito he the director of the Atlanta Leg Lengthening and Deformity Correction Center he will be performing surgery and consultations with Dr.Rodriguez on a monthly basis. Contact 312-944-2929 or Dr.Galluzo for more information if you have any patients will benefit from these procedures.