Having to go through any foot or ankle surgery can be very nerve-racking. The foot and ankle sometimes need to be operated on in order to fix the problems they are facing with surgical tools, reconstruction, and other medical methods. Without the use of surgery, some people would no longer be able to walk. Thanks to today’s technology and advancements, surgery has gone from a large incision to something smaller and easier to recover from.

Arthroscopy is a type of surgery that allows a surgeon to use a very small incision to diagnose and then treat foot and ankle conditions, specifically in the joints.

How is it done?

A tiny telescope is inserted into the designated area and moved around gently. This telescope has a camera and light on it so the surgeon can see into the patient. The image is displayed on a screen in the operating theatre and viewed by the doctor and his or her colleagues, allowing them to make a proper diagnosis.

What disorders can it detect and treat?

• Big toe joint problems
• Achilles tendinitis - it can look at the inflamed tissue and remove any dead or dying tissue
• Ankle fusion surgery
• Toe fusion surgery
• Foot fusion surgery
• Ankle joint defects

Why choose this method?

• The scar where the incision is made is much smaller than a traditional incision.
• Your hospital stay will be shorter because the smaller incision is easier to heal from.
• Shorter rehabilitation time.

What are the risks?

• Nerve damage
• Damage to blood vessels
• If arthroscopy is unsuccessful, open surgery may be used in its place causing longer rehabilitation time

Having a surgery should never be considered lightly. Consult with a podiatrist before making any decisions regarding your foot or ankle health. Call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. There Dr. Joseph A. Stuto and Joseph C. Stuto can help you decide whether or not foot or ankle surgery is right for you and your ailment. Call 718-624-7537and make an appointment today.