Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Ankle Cartilage Injury Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 20 years of experience
What is Ankle Cartilage Injury?
Cartilage plays a crucial role in providing cushioning and support to the joints of the foot and ankle. Injuries to this cartilage can occur due to trauma, overuse, or degenerative changes over time. These injuries can affect joint function and lead to discomfort.
Cartilage injuries at the foot and ankle can result from various factors, including:
Traumatic injuries, such as falls or accidents affecting the foot or ankle.
Repetitive impact or stress on the foot and ankle joints due to activities like running or jumping.
Underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that can contribute to cartilage deterioration.
What are the Symptoms
Common symptoms of cartilage injuries at the foot and ankle include:
Pain, especially during movement or weight-bearing activities.
Swelling and tenderness around the affected area.
Decreased range of motion and joint stiffness.
A sensation of clicking, locking, or catching within the joint.
How to diagnose Ankle Cartilage Injury?
Clinical assessment will include taking a detailed history and a thorough examination of your ankle.
Further imaging tests like X-rays, MRI and CT scans may occasionally be required.
Ankle Cartilage Injury Treatment
What are my Treatment options?
Treatment for cartilage injuries at the foot and ankle depends on various factors, including the location and severity of the injury.
If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment. The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs.
They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative Treatment: Rest, immobilisation, and physical therapy to improve joint stability and reduce pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Some injuries can be addressed with arthroscopic techniques, such as debridement or microfracture.
Surgical Treatment
For more severe injuries, surgical interventions like cartilage repair or transplantation may be considered. Both open and arthroscopic techniques are available for repairing articular cartilage, with arthroscopy being the more common and minimally invasive option. Small osteochondral injuries of the talus can be treated using microfracture combined with a cartilage scaffold to promote healing.
As cartilage has limited self-healing ability, microfracture encourages the formation of new articular cartilage by creating a new blood supply. This procedure involves using an awl (a sharp instrument) to create multiple small holes in the subchondral bone, triggering a healing response. The new blood supply allows new cells to reach the joint surface, aiding in the formation of new cartilage.
