Ankle Cartilage Repair

Symptoms of an ankle cartilage injury vary and depend on the severity of the damage, but commonly include:

• persistent joint pain that worsens when weight is placed on the joint or continues while resting
• stiffness of the joint
• weakness or tenderness in the joint
• redness and swelling (usually developing a few hours after injury occurs)
• limited movement of the foot

Regardless of whether the abovementioned symptoms are mild or not, the patient is recommended to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment, such as ankle cartilage repair to prevent further damage.

The most common cause of ankle cartilage injury is a heavy impact or direct trauma to the joint leading to cartilage tears, sprains, fractures and dislocations. This may occur as a result of engaging in heavy-impact sports, falling awkwardly on the joint and vehicular accidents. Natural wear and tear, repetitive foot motions, lack of movement and being overweight or obese also increase one’s risk of developing a cartilage injury.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury sustained, treatment will range from resting and pain medications to immobility (casting) and ankle cartilage repair procedures. One notable thing about the cartilage is that unlike other cells, the cartilage cannot completely regenerate once damaged. In cases where cartilage damage is severe, ankle cartilage repair is recommended to alleviate pain and restore mobility in the joint.

There are different techniques in ankle cartilage repair in Singapore, as follows:

• Arthroscopy – Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive form of ankle cartilage repair in which a thin, light-and-camera-equipped instrument is inserted into a small incision, and used to transmit images of the ankle joint onto a viewing monitor. Microsurgical instruments are also inserted into small incisions to repair the damaged cartilage, or remove loose or torn pieces of cartilage and bone. Singapore ankle arthroscopy offers less scarring, quicker recovery and less complications due to its minimally invasive nature.
• Open surgery – The traditional way to perform an ankle cartilage repair, open surgery requires a larger incision, which offers higher visibility and movement in the surgical site. It is also done to repair torn or damaged cartilage, and remove loose pieces of tissue within the joint.
• Cartilage transplantation – If damage is severe, cartilage from the knee may be obtained and transplanted into the ankle.
• Cartilage formation – This process involves removing the damaged cartilage and drilling small holes into nearby bones, thereby stimulating the formation of new cartilage. It can be done via arthroscopy.
• Joint replacement – The ankle joint is replaced with a prosthetic one.

Ankle cartilage repair in Singapore is recommended for patients with cartilage damage so severe that it significantly affects quality of life and day-to-day routines. It is also recommended in cases where more conservative treatments did not suffice.

Axis Orthopaedic Centre specialises in the treatment of foot and ankle disorders through techniques such as arthroscopy, ankle cartilage repair, bunion surgery and more. For more information about the clinic’s services or to schedule an appointment, call 9711 8888.