Today, performing arthroscopy of the knee joint helps specialists not only diagnose possible problems that adversely affect the functioning of the lower extremities, but also perform endoscopic procedures that do not require large incisions during surgery.
However, despite the fact that this procedure can be called gentle, it has some features that are worth knowing. Also, patients should take into account that even with performed arthroscopy of the ankle joint, recovery after surgery plays an important role. Therefore, you must adhere to all the recommendations of a doctor. Also, the patient will need to perform a set of measures at home.
Arthroscopy of the ankle joint: what is this procedure
This procedure is a modern minimally invasive method for the diagnosis and treatment of limb joints. During the operation, the surgeon uses a special device called an arthroscope. It is inserted into the articular cavity through a tiny incision. Due to this, during the procedure, it is possible to avoid damage to the tissues of the joints. In addition, after the operation, the patient has no seams, except for barely noticeable marks.
Arthroscopy of the ankle joint is a relatively new method of surgical intervention, which is only 20 years old. But it is noteworthy that this procedure was developed back in 1919.
To date, procedures of this type are considered one of the most sparing methods. According to reviews, arthroscopy of the ankle joint is carried out in the least traumatic way. After that, patients recover quite quickly and return to their usual lives.
It is also worth noting that a large number of people suffer from ankle injuries today. According to statistics, 21% of injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system usually affect this area of the human body. When using non-invasive diagnostic methods, identifying the problem area is much more difficult. Even x-ray studies do not provide doctors with an accurate picture. For example, using such methods, it is almost impossible to diagnose damage to ligaments, cartilage, etc. Therefore, ankle arthroscopy is an excellent alternative.
Indications
Procedures of this type are recommended if the patient has suffered from:
- Meniscus injury.
- Joint destabilization.
- Gaps in the cruciate ligament.
- Cartilaginous articular tissue ruptures.
Also, arthroscopy of the ankle joint is one of the types of examinations that are necessary before performing an arthrotomy. In addition, a similar procedure is carried out if the specialist cannot make a diagnosis or the patient suffers from a recurring pathology.
Contraindications
Having considered what it is - arthroscopy of the ankle joint, many may have the opinion that this procedure is completely harmless. But keep in mind that such operational measures are recommended not always. For example, arthroscopy is contraindicated if there is a risk that the patient may develop complications after using anesthesia. In such situations, the doctor selects another method of pain relief or completely refuses to perform this type of surgical intervention.
Also, you should not perform such procedures if the patient is in an unstable state. Doctors must first make sure that he returns to normal, only after that any surgical intervention is allowed, even if this is the most gentle procedure.
Arthroscopy is not performed if the patient suffers from chronic pathologies, ankylosis. It is also forbidden to perform a similar procedure in case of detection of pus in the affected joint.
Complications
Immediately it is worth saying that a possible deterioration is diagnosed only in 1% of cases. This is only possible if the patient did not notice intra-articular infections on time or in a situation where the doctor accidentally damaged the intra-articular cavity.
Very rarely, blood can begin to accumulate inside the joint. Fistulas, scars and phlebothrombosis are sometimes diagnosed.
Inpatient rehabilitation
As a rule, the duration of a patient’s stay within the walls of a medical institution may differ depending on how the procedure went and how he feels. However, as a rule, after surgery, patients do not stay in the hospital for more than a day. An exception are those situations when patients undergo arthroplasty of the cruciate ligament. In this case, the hospitalization period is increased to 72 hours.
Recovery Features
Having decided how arthroscopy of the joints is done, it becomes obvious that the patient does not need much time to begin to move normally again. Recovery begins from the first days after the procedure. As a rule, while the patient is still in the hospital, he is prescribed a course of antibiotics. Usually, the doctor prescribes drugs with a wide spectrum of action to exclude possible complications.
Also, patients have rather severe pain syndromes. To stop them, they use analgesics. To get rid of edema after surgery, the patient is recommended to undergo manual or hardware massage of lymphatic drainage type.
First days
When the patient is already slightly moving away from surgery, recovery after ankle arthroscopy surgery involves the use of a special elastic bandage. It should be worn about 3-5 days. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe anticoagulants.
In order to get rid of pain, in addition to medications, the use of cold is allowed in the first 72 hours. Ice should be applied to the affected joint with a break of at least 30 minutes.
Already on the first day after surgery, the patient can begin to perform therapeutic exercises. As a rule, they consist in very careful movements of the ankle joint.
Home Recovery
After arthroscopy of the ankle joint, postoperative recovery and rehabilitation are also possible outside the hospital, but only on condition that the patient spent the first days under the supervision of doctors. In this case, patients should adhere to the recommendations of specialists. For example, for the first few days, doctors advise keeping your legs mostly upright. Such manipulations help to avoid severe swelling.
Even if you take into account that subtle incisions are made during surgery, it is important to keep the wounds clean and dry during recovery. Dressing changes should be carried out exclusively under the supervision of a physician. During this period, the patient should be extremely careful when performing water procedures. Do not forget about the timely intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.
About a week after the operation, the patient is allowed to begin therapeutic massage procedures. However, their independent implementation is undesirable. This is allowed only if the patient consulted with a specialist and watched a training video.
During the rehabilitation period, it is important to periodically visit a doctor so that he is convinced that wound healing is normal.
If during the operation the meniscus was removed, then moderate loads are recommended on the same day. The first week, patients use crutches. However, if a ligature is imposed on the meniscus, then you need to be very careful and not load the leg for 30 days or more.
If a standard operation was performed, then the first days it is worth saving the limb. However, in the absence of an obvious pain syndrome, some exercises are allowed.
Physiotherapy
It should be noted right away that doctors recommend practically all patients who underwent arthroscopy to exercise therapy. However, this does not mean that you can start the exercises without prior consultation with a specialist. He must develop an individual program based on the performance of a particular patient.
As a rule, the first stage of exercise therapy includes exercises that involve minimal load. The patient may begin to perform the first manipulations the day after surgery. During gymnastics, the affected knee of the patient is fixed, after which he must perform extensor movements. In the next stage, the load increases. In this case, a person can perform some exercises on their own at home, but in the presence of a specialist. As a rule, a set of exercises is aimed at restoring mobility to the joint.
Next, the patient will have the third stage of exercises, which lasts about 3 weeks. During this period, the patient should significantly damage the load on the limb. Often during exercises a special weight is used.
The fourth recovery phase lasts 6 weeks. During this period, the patient increases the load even more to maximize the mobility of the affected limb.
Arthroscopy of the ankle joint: recovery after surgery, patient reviews
The vast majority of people who have undergone this procedure were satisfied with the result. However, everyone notes how important it is to adhere to the doctor's recommendations during the recovery period. Also, everyone notes how important exercise therapy is for a full recovery. It is best to perform all the manipulations under the supervision of a specialist. Also, many note that in no case should you start therapeutic exercises. Only in this case, you can count on the restoration of functions.
Some patients do not have the money to conduct classes outside the home. In this case, they study visual aids and special video courses that demonstrate procedures that can be performed at home.
Finally
With the right approach, after the operation, a person can fully recover. This means that people successfully continued to play sports after arthroscopy, rode a bicycle and walked without any difficulty. However, this is only possible if the patient follows all the recommendations of the doctor and does not allow the development of complications after the procedure.