Ankle arthroscopy at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Ankle arthroscopy is a surgical procedure allowing consultants to treat ankle problems. A small camera is inserted into the ankle joint, displaying an image on a television screen. The consultant uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments to correct and repair the damage.

There are different types of ankle surgery and arthroscopy is applied in a variety of different ways to treat foot and ankle conditions. It can be used to diagnose problems by providing the surgeon with a clear image of all the joints and structures inside the foot and ankle.

Ankle arthroscopy may be used to perform the following:

Arthritic joint debridement

Osteoarthritis and injury can result in excessive scar tissue and diseased cartilage forming in the joint. Arthroscopy removes the diseased parts of the joint, along with any bone spurs or loose fragments of bone.

Arthroscopy following an injury

Chronic ankle symptoms can arise following a sprain or injury. The ligaments can be torn and the cartilage can be damaged. This damage can be treated by arthroscopy.

Footballer’s ankle

A common problem for people involved in kicking sports – a large spur of bone at the front of the ankle can be painful when the foot is extended. The spur can be removed by arthroscopy.

Symptoms

• Swelling or tenderness in the ankle
• Pain in the ankle

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.

We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

Ankle arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic and the procedure can take between 30-45 minutes depending on the case and the severity of the ankle problem.

Several tiny incisions are made in the ankle, allowing a tiny camera to be inserted through one of the incisions and small surgical instruments to be inserted through the others.

The camera will project an image of the inside of the ankle joint on a screen and the surgeon will be able to examine the problems in the area and treat them accordingly.

Any damaged or diseased cartilage or bone spurs will be removed and repaired.

Following the procedure the incisions may be closed with stitches or steri-strips and the ankle may be bandaged.

The expected length of stay for an ankle arthroscopy is a day case.

After surgical treatment the patient will be encouraged to walk on the foot from the day of surgery. However, crutches may be needed to assist with walking in the initial days after surgery.

The wounds must be kept dry until the stitches are removed.

An exercise programme involving physiotherapy will be drawn up and it is to be started straight away. The patient should be able to return to work within a week following surgery. A full return to sport will usually be expected after six weeks following treatment.

Some swelling in the ankle may be apparent post treatment but this should settle down over the first few weeks.

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After an ankle replacement, typically our consultants will want to see you after your procedure to see how you are doing.

If you have any questions or concerns, we're here to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

The hospital is approximately six miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells. We're located in Kent four miles southeast of Penshurst Place, the historic house once owned by King Henry VIII.

Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital

Fordcombe Road

Fordcombe

Tunbridge Wells

Kent

TN3 0RD

How to get here

From M25 Junction 5

Follow the A21 for four miles and at the roundabout take the second exit signposted Hildenborough and the B245. After two miles, turn right on the B2027 and pass through Leigh. Turn left (B2188) and at Penshurst turn right towards Fordcombe and the hospital is on the right after the village.

From Hastings

Follow the A21 to Pembury. Take the A264 exit to Tunbridge Wells town centre and follow the directions to East Grinstead (A264). Continue through Langton Green village and turn right to East Grinstead (A264). Turn immediately right into Fordcombe Road (B2188) and the hospital is 500 yards along on the left.

From Heathfield

Follow the A267 into Tunbridge Wells town centre. At the roundabout, take the first exit into Eridge Road and then right at the small roundabout into Major Yorks Road. At the end of this road, turn left onto the A264 to East Grinstead (opposite Spa Hotel). Continue through Langton Green village and turn right to East Grinstead (A264). Turn right into Fordcombe Road (B2188) and the hospital is on the left.

From Maidstone

Follow the A26 to Tunbridge Wells via Hadlow, Tonbridge and Southborough. Turn right at the mini-roundabout onto Mount Ephraim, bear next right [take the next right?] and follow the A264 to East Grinstead. Continue through Langton Green village and turn right to East Grinstead (A264). Turn right into Fordcombe Road (B2188) and the hospital is on the left.

By rail

The nearest station is Tunbridge Wells, which is approximately six miles from the hospital.

By taxi

A taxi from Tunbridge Wells to the hospital will be in the region of £12.00.

Parking

We have free on-site parking.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.