“How long is the recovery after ankle arthroscopy?”
I am a 40 year old male and I will have an ankle arthroscopy. How long is the recovery after ankle arthroscopy?
3 Answers
The recovery after ankle arthroscopy surgery depends on exactly what is done during the surgery.
If you just have scar tissue removed and a "clean up" type surgery then you will be non-weight bearing (NWB) in a splint (plaster or fiberglass wrapped with an ACE wrap) for 2 weeks. The 2 week period of NWB is necessary to prevent what is called a synovial fistula from forming at the site of the incisions. A synovial fistula is where the ankle joint forms a tract or tunnel up to, and through the skin. This is bad as joint fluid will drain and your joint could get infected. After 2 weeks NWB in a splint then you will be placed in a walking boot which you will usually wear for 2-4 weeks. After the boot then you will wear a brace for 4-6 weeks. Ultimate recovery (back to running or sport) is usually about 8-10 weeks.
If you have a more advanced surgery such as treatment of an osteochondral defect (cartilage problem) or ankle ligament reconstruction then you will likely be NWB for at least 4 weeks, sometimes 6 weeks. After the first 2 weeks usually a boot will be placed so you can start moving your ankle in physical therapy. Once you begin weight bearing you will wear the boot 2-4 weeks, then a brace for 4-6 weeks after the boot. Ultimate recovery will be a bit longer, about 3 to 3.5 months.
If you just have scar tissue removed and a "clean up" type surgery then you will be non-weight bearing (NWB) in a splint (plaster or fiberglass wrapped with an ACE wrap) for 2 weeks. The 2 week period of NWB is necessary to prevent what is called a synovial fistula from forming at the site of the incisions. A synovial fistula is where the ankle joint forms a tract or tunnel up to, and through the skin. This is bad as joint fluid will drain and your joint could get infected. After 2 weeks NWB in a splint then you will be placed in a walking boot which you will usually wear for 2-4 weeks. After the boot then you will wear a brace for 4-6 weeks. Ultimate recovery (back to running or sport) is usually about 8-10 weeks.
If you have a more advanced surgery such as treatment of an osteochondral defect (cartilage problem) or ankle ligament reconstruction then you will likely be NWB for at least 4 weeks, sometimes 6 weeks. After the first 2 weeks usually a boot will be placed so you can start moving your ankle in physical therapy. Once you begin weight bearing you will wear the boot 2-4 weeks, then a brace for 4-6 weeks after the boot. Ultimate recovery will be a bit longer, about 3 to 3.5 months.
You usually recover in a few days when the swelling subsides.
‘Recovery’ is a vague word. Healing of the incisions is about 3-4 days, but no bathing for 2w. The recovery is dependent on several factors, one of them being the surgery done and the quality of the joint as documented during the surgery. Then, it depends on your expectations and what you plan to do with your ankle going forward. General time-frames: Full range of motion 6-12 weeks, increasing strength, endurance, conditioning and tone takes from 4-12 months.
Joint surgery, including ankle surgery, is a treatment and not a cure. The ankle will never be 100%. If you care for your body, control your weight, and work hard at getting back near-full range of motion and most importantly strength around the ankle that has damage in it. Finally, altering your lifestyle and doing less—impact across the ankle will increase the lifespan of the ankle.
David T. Neuman, MD
Joint surgery, including ankle surgery, is a treatment and not a cure. The ankle will never be 100%. If you care for your body, control your weight, and work hard at getting back near-full range of motion and most importantly strength around the ankle that has damage in it. Finally, altering your lifestyle and doing less—impact across the ankle will increase the lifespan of the ankle.
David T. Neuman, MD
