Minimally Invasive Joint Debridement & ATFL Ligament Repair in Financial District
Ankle arthroscopy is a specialized surgical procedure utilizing tiny fiber-optic cameras and precision micro-instruments to inspect, diagnose, and repair damage inside the ankle joint through keyhole incisions.
When chronic ankle sprains stretch or tear the lateral stabilizing ligaments (anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments), joint instability causes the ankle to give way unexpectedly. At Manhattan Podiatry Group, Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, pairs arthroscopic joint clearing with targeted anatomical ligament reconstruction (the Broström-Gould procedure) to restore rigid stability for Manhattan patients.
ATFL repair focuses on the anterior talofibular ligament, the ligament most often torn in an ankle sprain. When repeated sprains leave it stretched or torn, the ankle keeps rolling and giving way. Dr. Sharobeem repairs and re-tensions the ATFL, anchoring it back to the fibula, and uses the arthroscope to treat any damage inside the joint during the same procedure.
Designed to preserve your natural ankle cartilage and tissue while restoring complete, stable weight-bearing capacity—helping active New Yorkers return to sport, work, and daily life without chronic pain or unexpected ankle giving-way.
Chronic ankle instability, giving way, bone spurs, impingement, cartilage defects.
Arthroscopic fiber-optic debridement & anatomical lateral ligament tightening.
Outpatient procedure (approx. 60–90 mins) under twilight/sedation.
2–3 weeks protected boot rest; full physical therapy sports return in 3–6 months.
Dr. Sharobeem performs stress radiography and MRI evaluation to accurately map lateral ligament laxity, joint osteophytes, and osteochondral lesions before entering surgery.
Tiny camera portals are used to clear painful inflammatory tissue, loose bone fragments, and joint spurs. Ligament borders are then anatomically tightened and anchored to the fibula bone.
Post-operative care utilizes a CAM walking boot and structured physical therapy to rebuild ankle proprioception, peroneal tendon strength, and full range of motion.
Reconstruction is indicated when your ankle continues to buckle or give way during daily walking or sport despite completing a dedicated physical therapy regimen.
No. The joint inspection is performed through two poke-hole arthroscopic portals, and the ligament repair uses a small 3–4 cm incision along the lateral fibula bone border.
Most patients begin light straight-line jogging around 10 to 12 weeks post-surgery under physical therapy guidance. Full agility, cutting drills, and contact sports usually resume between 4 to 6 months once strength and balance are fully restored.
Request a consultation with Dr. Mark Sharobeem, DPM, at 55 Broadway, Suite 602, New York, NY 10006.