Ankle debridement is usually performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery):

​

• Small incisions are made around the ankle.

• A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to assess the joint.

• Specialized instruments remove scar tissue, inflamed synovium, bone spurs, or loose cartilage fragments.

• The joint is irrigated (washed out) to remove debris.

​​

For posterior ankle impingement, the procedure may be performed from the back of the ankle, sometimes requiring an open approach. The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia

Before considering surgery, non-surgical treatments may be attempted, including:

​

• Rest & Activity Modification – Avoiding high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms.

• Physiotherapy – Strengthening, stretching, and joint mobilization.

• Anti-inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs) – To reduce swelling and pain.

• Steroid Injections – May provide temporary relief for inflammation but do not treat the underlying cause.

​​

If symptoms persist despite these measures, arthroscopic debridement is recommended to prevent long-term joint damage and restore function.

Ankle debridement is generally safe, with low complication rates (~5%), but potential risks include:

​

General Surgical Risks:

• Infection – Rare (<1%), but can cause swelling, redness, and pain. Treated with antibiotics if needed.

• Blood Clots (DVT/PE) – Uncommon, but may require blood thinners in high-risk patients.

• Nerve Injury – Small sensory nerves (superficial peroneal, sural, or saphenous nerves) are near the incisions, sometimes leading to temporary or permanent numbness or tingling.

• Wound Healing Problems – More likely in smokers or diabetics.

​​

Procedure-Specific Risks:

• Persistent Pain or Stiffness – Some patients continue to have mild discomfort or restricted movement after surgery.

• Cartilage Damage Progression – If underlying arthritis or osteochondral defects exist, debridement alone may not fully resolve symptoms.

• Incomplete Symptom Relief – While most patients experience improvement, some may require additional treatments or surgery.

• Joint Swelling – Temporary, usually resolves within a few weeks.

​​

Long-term studies suggest arthroscopic debridement provides lasting symptom relief in 70–90% of patients, particularly in those with mild to moderate impingement rather than advanced arthritis.

Time Off Work

• Desk jobs: 1–2 weeks

• Manual labor: 4–6 weeks

 

Return to Driving

• Typically 2–4 weeks, depending on recovery and pain levels.

 

Return to Activities & Sports

• Low-impact activities: 4–6 weeks

• Running: 8–12 weeks

• Full sports participation: 3–6 months, depending on healing and physiotherapy progress.

​​

Rehabilitation Timeline

• Weeks 0–2: Swelling management, gentle range-of-motion exercises.

• Weeks 2–6: Progressive weight-bearing, physiotherapy for strength and mobility.

• Weeks 6–12: Balance training, gradual return to impact activities.

• 3–6 months: Sport-specific rehab before full return to competition.

​​

Most athletes return to sport at their previous level, with reduced pain and improved ankle mobility.