Ankle arthroscopy is a type of surgery done to diagnose and/or repair ankle problems. The surgeon makes tiny incisions (cuts) and uses an arthroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to it) to see inside the ankle joint. Then, if needed, the surgeon can put other instruments into the joint to fix injuries or other problems.

Follow these instructions to care for your child after ankle arthroscopy.

• Give your child any pain medicines as prescribed by your health care provider.
• For the first few days after surgery:
  • Have your child sit with the leg/foot raised on a pillow to help with swelling.
  • Put a cold pack wrapped in a towel on your child's ankle for about 20 minutes every 3–4 hours to help with pain and swelling. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
• Your child's surgeon will talk to you about:
  • removing the bandages
  • when it's OK for your child to bathe
  • whether your child needs to wear a splint or brace
  • whether your child needs to use crutches
  • when your child can go back to full weight bearing and regular activities such as sports and driving

Your child:

• doesn't pee by bedtime on the day of the surgery
• has swelling or numbness in the foot that doesn't go away by loosening the bandage and raising the leg
• has a lot of drainage from the surgical area
• has a temperature higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• has pain that gets worse or is still in pain after 48 hours

Your child:

• gets chest pain or is short of breath
• has pain or swelling in the calf

What kind of problems can ankle arthroscopy treat? In kids and teens, ankle arthroscopy is typically used to repair injuries to the bones and tendons in the ankle.