Surgical

Ankle Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive joint surgery for impingement, loose bodies, cartilage lesions, and selected ligament work. Faster recovery, smaller incisions.

What Arthroscopy Allows

Through two or three small portals, a high-definition camera and miniature instruments enter the ankle joint. We can address bone spurs causing impingement, remove loose bodies, treat focal cartilage lesions (microfracture, cartilage transplant), and perform selected ligament procedures.

Who’s a Candidate

Patients with mechanical symptoms - catching, locking, or anterior ankle pain with dorsiflexion - and patients with focal cartilage lesions identified on MRI.

Recovery

Most patients are weight-bearing in a boot within days. Return to regular shoes typically at 2–3 weeks. Return to sport varies by what was done - anywhere from 6 weeks for simple debridement to several months for cartilage restoration.

Get back on your feet!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. O'Carroll at our Pismo Beach or Santa Maria office. Dr. O'Carroll's schedule fills quickly - we recommend requesting an appointment as early as you can to get on the list.