Arthroscopy is commonly known as keyhole surgery. Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope, a small tube with a light and video camera at the end, is inserted into the ankle joint to evaluate and treat a variety of conditions. Ankle arthroscopy has proven to be highly effective in managing various ankle disorders including ankle arthritis, ankle instability, ankle fracture, ankle cartilage injury and infections.   The benefits of arthroscopy are:

• Smaller incisions

• Minimal soft tissue trauma

• Less pain

• Faster healing time

• Lower infection rate

• Less scarring

• Earlier mobilization

• Shorter hospital stay

The procedure consists of making 2 or 3 small cuts around the ankle joint. The arthroscope is inserted into one of the incisions. A sterile solution is pumped into the joint to expand it and enlarge the working space. The image is then shown on a large monitor allowing the surgeon to visualise the joint. The other cuts are utilised to place instruments which help to treat the condition. After the surgery, the instruments are removed, and the cuts are closed and covered with a bandage.