Ankle Arthroscopy in Scottsdale, AZ

Expert Minimally Invasive Ankle Surgery by Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS

Understanding Ankle Arthroscopy

As a foot and ankle surgeon, I see many patients struggling with chronic ankle pain, instability, or cartilage damage. Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows us to diagnose and treat these conditions with greater precision, faster recovery times, and less discomfort than traditional surgery.

Using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments, I make tiny incisions to assess and repair damage inside the ankle joint. If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility, ankle arthroscopy may be the right solution for you.

Conditions Treated with Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is highly effective for:

• Ankle Impingement: Pain and stiffness caused by soft tissue or bone pinching in the joint.
• Cartilage Damage: Injuries such as osteochondral lesions that cause joint pain.
• Loose Bodies: Bone or cartilage fragments that disrupt movement.
• Chronic Ankle Instability: Ligament damage from repeated sprains.
• Arthritis: Early-stage arthritis that benefits from joint cleaning and smoothing.
• Infections: Severe ankle infections that require surgical intervention.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions or have ongoing ankle pain, let’s discuss your treatment options.

Benefits of Ankle Arthroscopy

I recommend ankle arthroscopy for many patients because it offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

✔ Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions mean less trauma to surrounding tissue.
✔ Reduced Pain and Swelling: A quicker, more comfortable recovery process.
✔ Shorter Downtime: Many patients return to normal activities within weeks.
✔ Lower Risk of Complications: Precision instruments reduce damage to healthy tissue.
✔ Same-Day Surgery: Most procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.

My goal is to help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle as quickly as possible.

What to Expect: The Ankle Arthroscopy Process

1. Initial Consultation

When you visit my office, we’ll start with a comprehensive evaluation of your ankle. This may include X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the extent of the issue. If arthroscopy is the best course of action, I’ll explain the procedure, risks, and expected recovery timeline in detail.

2. The Procedure

Ankle arthroscopy is typically performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia. The process involves:

• Making two to three small incisions around the ankle.
• Inserting the arthroscope, which projects a real-time view of your joint onto a screen.
• Using micro-instruments to remove scar tissue, repair cartilage, or address ligament injuries.
• Closing the incisions with stitches or steri-strips and applying a dressing for protection.

The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition.

3. Recovery & Aftercare

• Weight-Bearing: Some patients can walk immediately; others may need crutches for a short period.
• Pain Management: Mild discomfort is managed with ice, elevation, and prescribed medication.
• Physical Therapy: I’ll create a customized rehabilitation plan to help restore strength and mobility.
• Follow-Ups: We’ll schedule check-ins to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.

Most of my patients recover within four to six weeks, though this varies based on the severity of the condition.

Why Choose Me for Your Ankle Arthroscopy in Scottsdale?

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, I take pride in providing:

Expertise You Can Trust: With years of experience in foot and ankle surgery, I specialize in minimally invasive techniques that deliver exceptional results.
Personalized Treatment Plans: No two patients are alike—I develop customized care plans based on your condition, lifestyle, and goals.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Our clinic is equipped with the latest advancements in foot and ankle surgery to ensure the highest standard of care.
Comprehensive Care, Start to Finish: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, I am committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re suffering from chronic ankle pain, stiffness, or instability, let’s talk about whether ankle arthroscopy is right for you. As a leading foot and ankle surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ, I am here to help you get back to doing what you love.