Ankle arthroscopy (keyhole ankle surgery)

Written by Prof Lyndon Mason, Consultant Foot and Ankle Surgeon. Last reviewed 25 October 2026.

In short

Ankle arthroscopy is keyhole surgery: a small camera and fine instruments are passed into the ankle through a few small incisions to treat cartilage damage, loose fragments, soft tissue or bony impingement and bone spurs. It is a day case, muscles are not cut, and most people walk without crutches within a few weeks. Golf, gym and casual hiking usually resume by 8 to 12 weeks and higher-impact sport by 3 to 6 months.

Anaesthetic: General anaesthetic or regional block
Hospital stay: Day case
Walking afterwards: Walking as comfortable in a supportive shoe or boot
Full recovery: 3 to 6 months for high-impact sport

What is ankle arthroscopy?

A minimally invasive (keyhole) operation to look inside the ankle joint with a camera, called an arthroscope, and treat problems such as cartilage injury, loose bodies, impingement or persistent pain that has not responded to non-surgical treatment.

What does the operation involve?

Several small incisions are made around the ankle
A camera is inserted to view the joint, and fine instruments treat the problem tissue
Treatments include cartilage debridement or microfracture, removal of loose bodies, treatment of soft tissue impingement and removal of bone spurs
The wounds are closed with stitches or steri-strips and covered with a dressing

Because no muscles are cut, recovery is often quicker than after open surgery. Ankle arthroscopy is often combined with other procedures, such as ankle stabilisation, when needed.

Recovery: what to expect

0 to 2 weeks
- The ankle is supported with a dressing or boot
- Walk as comfortable in a supportive shoe or boot, unless told otherwise
- Keep the ankle raised to reduce swelling
- Stitches or steri-strips are checked or removed at 10 to 14 days
2 to 6 weeks
- Swelling and stiffness are common but gradually settle
- Physiotherapy usually starts, working on movement and gentle strengthening
- Most people walk without crutches within the first few weeks
6 to 12 weeks
- Activity increases as pain improves
- Cycling and swimming can start
- Return to work and daily activities continues
- Golf, gym and casual hiking typically by 8 to 12 weeks
3 to 6 months and beyond
- Higher-impact sport typically by 3 to 6 months, depending on comfort
- Pain and stiffness can take several months to fully settle
- Comfort may keep improving for up to 6 to 12 months

Recovery varies with the exact procedure and with each person. You will get a plan specific to your operation.

Expected outcomes

Before surgery

Persistent ankle pain or swelling
Stiffness and reduced movement
Difficulty walking or playing sport
Symptoms not helped by physiotherapy or injections

After surgery

Less pain and swelling
Better ankle movement and function
Easier walking and activity
Return to sport and daily tasks

Most people have lasting relief. The final result and return to high-impact activity depend on what was treated inside the joint, and continued physiotherapy helps strength and function.

Read the consent form before your operation so you know what you are agreeing to. Bring any questions to your pre-operative appointment.