Our Summary

This paper explores the trends in ankle arthroscopy - a less invasive surgical procedure for ankle disorders - in Italy from 2001 to 2016. The researchers used data provided by the Italian Ministry of Health, which included patients’ age, gender, length of hospital stays, primary diagnosis, and primary procedure. The study found that a total of 23,644 procedures were performed in these years, most commonly among males aged 25 to 34. The average hospital stay was just over two days, and the cost of the surgery each year was roughly 2.1 million euros. The most common reasons for the surgery were joint contracture, articular cartilage disorder, late effects of sprain and strain, and other joint derangements. The findings of this study will help surgeons and policy makers to allocate resources more effectively and improve patient care.

FAQs

  1. What is the most common age group for ankle arthroscopy in Italy?
  2. What were the most common reasons for undergoing ankle arthroscopy according to the study?
  3. How much did the surgery cost on average each year from 2001 to 2016?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing arthroscopy to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending physical therapy sessions to aid in recovery and rehabilitation. It is also important for the patient to communicate any unusual symptoms or concerns to their healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for arthroscopy are those suffering from joint disorders such as joint contracture, articular cartilage disorder, late effects of sprain and strain, and other joint derangements. In the case of ankle arthroscopy, the study mentioned above found that males aged 25 to 34 were the most common demographic undergoing the procedure in Italy. Additionally, patients who have not responded to conservative treatments and therapies may be recommended for arthroscopy to address their joint issues. It is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if arthroscopy is the right treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  • Patient experiences pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected joint
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to diagnose the problem
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections to manage symptoms

After arthroscopy:

  • Patient undergoes the minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair or remove damaged tissue in the joint
  • Patient may experience some pain and swelling immediately after the surgery
  • Patient typically undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the joint
  • Patient may need to take pain medication and follow post-operative care instructions to aid in recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with ankle arthroscopy?
  2. How long is the recovery process after ankle arthroscopy?
  3. What are the alternative treatment options available for my ankle condition?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How many ankle arthroscopy procedures have you performed in the past?
  6. What is the success rate of ankle arthroscopy for my specific condition?
  7. Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery?
  8. How soon can I expect to return to normal activities after ankle arthroscopy?
  9. What post-operative care instructions should I follow?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after ankle arthroscopy?

Reference

Authors: Longo UG, Mazzola A, De Salvatore S, Piergentili I, Tancioni A, Piccioni V, Sarubbi A, Picozzi R, Hogan MV. Journal: J ISAKOS. 2024 Dec;9(6):100326. doi: 10.1016/j.jisako.2024.100326. Epub 2024 Sep 26. PMID: 39332528