Arthroscopic Surgery

Ankle arthroscopy uses a small camera — an arthroscope — inserted through a tiny incision to let Dr. Feldman see directly inside the joint on a monitor. Specialized instruments, guided by that view, can then repair damaged cartilage, remove loose fragments, or address the source of persistent pain, all without the larger incision an open procedure would require. It’s used both to confirm a diagnosis when imaging alone hasn’t given a clear answer, and to treat what’s found in the same procedure.

Arthroscopic surgery is often considered for ankle arthritis, instability, certain fractures, and cartilage damage — including injuries that haven’t fully resolved with rest, bracing, or physical therapy, and pain that hasn’t been explained by X-rays or a physical exam alone. Patients in Bethesda and Germantown are typically referred for arthroscopy after conservative treatment has stalled, or when a clear diagnosis requires a direct look inside the joint rather than imaging from the outside.

Because the incisions are small, ankle arthroscopy generally involves less soft-tissue trauma than open surgery, which can mean less post-operative pain and a more direct path through recovery — though the specifics depend on what’s found and treated during the procedure. Dr. Feldman may use ultrasound-guided imaging as part of your diagnosis, and will explain what to expect for your particular joint before scheduling anything. Most patients go home the same day, with a splint or supportive dressing and specific instructions on weight-bearing while the joint heals.