Foot & Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, in which small fiber optic cameras are used to see inside a joint to assist with diagnosis, as well as treatment of various conditions. This can be useful when imaging techniques, such as X-rays and MRIs, are unable to identify pathology within the joint. By using an arthroscope, the surgeon can see inside the joint without creating a large incision.  

What Can be Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery?

Many joints in the lower extremity are amenable to arthroscopic surgery, including the ankle and subtalar joints. The procedure is used to treat conditions such as arthritis, bone spurs, torn cartilage, torn ligaments, certain types of fractures, joint infection, osteochondral defects, loose bodies, and following athletic injuries. More recently, arthroscopic surgeries have been utilized for larger reconstructive surgeries, such as ankle fusions and complicated fractures. Though most commonly used for joint pathology, arthroscopy can be used in other instances, such as surgical treatment for plantar fasciitis. Arthroscopic surgery also allows for more accurate diagnosis of any underlying conditions that may not show up on X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Not all conditions can be treated arthroscopically, but in cases where arthroscopy is possible, the recovery time is often much quicker than those that require traditional surgery.  

Where Does the Surgery Take Place?

These procedures can be performed as an outpatient and allow patients to recover more quickly, have less scaring, lower chance of infection and bleeding, and can provide immediate pain relief. Surgery can be performed in an operating room at a hospital or surgery center.  

How is the Surgery Performed?

Arthroscopic surgery is typically done under general or regional anesthesia. One small hole (portal) is created for the arthroscope (camera). The arthroscope transmits an image of the inside of the joint, which is viewed by the surgeon on a video monitor in the operating room. Sterile fluid is circulated through the joint to distract the joint and create space while the joint is being visualized. Other small portals can also be created to insert small surgical instruments that can be used to clean up arthritic joints, or to repair damaged ligaments. Each portal may be closed with just one or two stitches. There will be some swelling and bruising after the surgery. Overall recovery time is determined by the exact procedure performed.    A thorough discussion between patient and surgeon is vital to talk about the best treatment course, as well as activity level and recovery goals post-operatively. Though arthroscopic surgery may not be appropriate for everyone, it is a great alternative to many procedures that require a bigger incision and longer recovery periods.

FASMA Doctors Performing This Specialty / Service

Locations

  1. Silver Spring, MD (Fenton)
    8630 Fenton Street Suite 324
    Silver Spring, MD 20910
    Phone: 301-587-5666
    Fax: 301-589-4479

  2. Washington, DC (1775 K Street)
    1775 K Street NW Suite 580
    Washington, DC 20006
    Phone: 202-331-9727
    Fax: 202-887-0741

  3. Chapel Hill, NC
    1506 E. Franklin Street Suite 104
    Chapel Hill, NC 27514
    Phone: 919-960-8858
    Fax: 919-960-2882

  4. Frederick, MD (Thomas Johnson Drive)
    63 Thomas Johnson Dr Suite C
    Frederick, MD 21702
    Phone: 301-696-0818
    Fax: 301-696-8872

  5. Washington, DC (19th Street)
    1145 19th Street NW Suite 605
    Washington, DC 20036
    Phone: 202-833-9109
    Fax: 202-833-5762

  6. Palmetto Podiatry Group of Anderson
    2126B N Hwy 81
    Anderson, SC 29621
    Phone: (864) 231-6395
    Fax: (864) 231-6520

  7. Reston, VA (Hospital Campus)
    1860 Town Center Drive Suite 220
    Reston, VA 20190
    Phone: 703-391-0211
    Fax: 703-880-1192

  8. Gastonia
    251 Wilmot Dr
    Gastonia, NC 28054
    Phone: 704-861-0425
    Fax: 704-861-0274

  9. Alpine Podiatry – Rock Hill
    430 S. Herlong Avenue, Suite 105
    Rock Hill, SC 29732
    Phone: (803) 327-2217
    Fax: (803) 327-2272

  10. Kensington, MD
    10901 Connecticut Avenue Suite 200
    Kensington, MD 20895
    Phone: 301-949-2000
    Fax: 301-949-2002

  11. Rockville, MD (Shady Grove Rd)
    15215 Shady Grove Rd Suite 307
    Rockville, MD 20850
    Phone: 240-268-7450
    Fax: 301-949-8833

  12. Clarksville, MD
    6100 Day Long Lane Suite 208
    Clarksville, MD 21029
    Phone: 443-535-8770
    Fax: 443-535-8775

  13. Mt Airy, MD (South)
    1502 S. Main Street Suite 307
    Mt Airy, MD 21771
    Phone: 301-829-2244
    Fax: 833-915-0243

  14. Concord, NC
    492 Copperfield Blvd NE
    Concord, NC 28025
    Phone: 704-788-9797
    Fax: 704-788-6830

  15. University, NC
    8310 Medical Plaza Drive Suite E
    Charlotte, NC 28262
    Phone: 704-548-0222
    Fax: 704-548-1157

  16. Greencastle, PA
    50 Eastern Ave Suite 122
    Greencastle, PA 17225
    Phone: 717-643-0795
    Fax: 717-643-0833

  17. Hagerstown, MD
    11110 Medical Campus Road Suite 100
    Hagerstown, MD 21742
    Phone: 301-739-1575
    Fax: 301-739-1578

  18. Manassas, VA
    8577A Sudley Rd
    Manassas, VA 20110
    Phone: (703) 368-7166
    Fax: (703) 368-5103

  19. Reston, VA (Reston Pkwy)
    1760 Reston Pkwy., Ste 310
    Reston, VA 20190
    Phone: (703) 723-2719
    Fax: (866) 453-6775

  20. Wake Foot & Ankle – Wake Forest
    833C Wake Forest Business Park
    Wake Forest, NC 27587
    Phone: 919-230-7233

  21. Chevy Chase, MD
    5530 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 945
    Chevy Chase, MD 20815
    Phone: 301-913-5225
    Fax: 301-913-9145

  22. Rockville, MD (North Bethesda)
    11801 Rockville Pike Suite 105
    Rockville, MD 20852
    Phone: 301-881-6222
    Fax: 301-881-1639

  23. Raleigh, NC (Wake Forest Rd)
    3801 Wake Forest Rd Suite 100
    Raleigh, NC 27609
    Phone: 919-850-9111
    Fax: 919-850-2499

  24. Cary, NC
    103 Parkway Office Court Suite 100
    Cary, NC 27518
    Phone: 919-481-3338
    Fax: 919-467-2436

  25. Richmond, VA
    1465 Johnston Willis Drive
    Richmond, VA 23235
    Phone: 804-320-3668
    Fax: 844-468-5770

  26. Pasadena, MD
    8155 Ritchie Highway Suite B
    Pasadena, MD 21122
    Phone: 410-768-5800
    Fax: 410-768-5806

  27. Silver Spring, MD (White Oak)
    2415 Musgrove Road Suite 103
    Silver Spring, MD 20904
    Phone: 301-384-6500
    Fax: 301-384-6670

  28. Alpine Podiatry – Fort Mill
    105 Ben Casey Drive, Suite 133
    Fort Mill, SC 29708
    Phone: (803) 396-8670
    Fax: (803) 396-8657

  29. Gettysburg, PA
    506 W. Middle Street
    Gettysburg, PA 17325
    Phone: 717-778-3338
    Fax: 717-778-3340

  30. Greenbelt, MD
    7501 Greenway Center Dr Suite 810
    Greenbelt, MD 20770
    Phone: 301-577-4464
    Fax: 301-577-4702

  31. McLean, VA
    1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Suite 403
    McLean, VA 22101
    Phone: (703) 556-8637
    Fax: (866) 453-6775

  32. Martinsville, VA
    1 Dudley Street
    Martinsville, VA 24112
    Phone: 540-344-3668
    Fax: 540-774-4615

  33. Roanoke, VA
    222 Walnut Avenue SW
    Roanoke , VA 24016
    Phone: 540-344-3668
    Fax: 540-343-2457

  34. Salem, VA
    1802 Braeburn Drive Suite A2130
    Salem, VA 24153
    Phone: 540-344-3668
    Fax: 540-774-4615

  35. Mooresville, NC
    206 Joe Knox Avenue Suite D
    Mooresville, NC 28117
    Phone: 704-235-0474
    Fax: 704-660-3987