The Nano Experience
for Foot and Ankle
What to Expect From Your Nano Procedure
Nano arthroscopy is performed using a needle-sized, high quality camera attachment to diagnose and treat injuries, making it ideal for navigating around the small spaces of the foot and ankle. This tiny instrumentation is designed to be less disruptive to the body as traditional surgery, resulting in less pain1 and potentially requiring fewer narcotic medications than traditional surgery.2
Additionally, most procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting, and patients experience a quick return to regular activities and positive outcomes.1,3
If you cannot undergo MRI, your doctor may use Nano arthroscopy instead as it can help them see and diagnose your injury or condition in an office setting.
The Nano Experience
Experience a foot and ankle procedure performed in a non-operating room setting as part of the Nano Experience.
What Can Nano Treat?
Some foot and ankle conditions may improve with the help of conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); injections; medications; and physical therapy. However, if you are not finding relief and/or your doctor does not think you are a candidate for these options, they may recommend surgery to fix the underlying problem causing your symptoms.
Nano arthroscopy can be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes for a variety of reasons, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common causes of heel pain,4 plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes irritated. This can occur because the plantar fascia absorbs much of the pressure put on our feet when we walk, run, play sports, and engage in other activities.
Your doctor can use Nano arthroscopy equipment to perform an endoscopic plantar fascia release to cut the ligament and relieve tension. This extremely minimally invasive form of plantar fasciitis surgery is considered the preferred option after conservative treatments, like icing and massage, have failed.5
Chronic Ankle Instability
Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury in the US.6 If you suffer one, you are much more likely to suffer another in the future.7,8 When sprains reoccur, the ankle ligaments can fail to heal, leading to chronic ankle instability, the pain that comes with it, and potential future complications, such as arthritis.
Nano arthroscopy can be used to diagnose chronic ankle instability and repair ligaments of the ankle.
For more information on chronic ankle instability, please visit AnkleSprain.com
Diagnostic Procedures and Biopsies
Nano arthroscopy equipment is designed specifically to navigate small areas like those in the foot and ankle. It can be used to diagnose many foot and ankle conditions, as well as to conduct biopsies (when your surgeon collects tissue to be examined).
In fact, the Nano camera’s clear imaging may help your surgeon make a more accurate and detailed assessment of your condition.9,10
Infected Joints
Your ankle joint can become infected, or septic, when bacteria is introduced there or travels through the blood from another part of your body. Symptoms of this condition include pain, swelling, fever, and redness. Left untreated, the infection can also lead to permanent joint damage.
Using Nano arthroscopy to treat joint infections has been shown to be effective when combined with antibiotic treatment.11
Bone Marrow Stimulation for Cartilage Injuries
If you suffer cartilage damage, called a chondral defect, in your foot or ankle, your doctor may recommend a procedure in which a tiny pick is used to create small tunnels in your bone marrow to help encourage your body’s natural healing processes.
Some Nano arthroscopy instruments are designed specifically for bone marrow stimulation.
Torn Peroneal Tendon
Your foot has two peroneal tendons that run side-by-side behind your outer ankle bone. One attaches to the outer part of the middle of your foot, while the other runs under the foot and attaches at the arch of your foot.
You can injure these tendons suddenly or through long-term use, causing a tear to occur. Symptoms of peroneal tendon tears include pain, swelling, weakness, warmth at the injury site, and a popping sound at the time of injury.
Your surgeon may use Nano arthroscopy to diagnose and fix a damaged or torn peroneal tendon.
Recovery Timeline
If you need surgery, Nano arthroscopy procedures can help you return to work, daily activities, and even sports quickly.1
One study showed that 96% of patients returned to sports and 100% returned to work.1
Postoperative management is patient-specific and dependent on the treating professional's assessment. Individual results will vary and not all patients will experience the same postoperative activity level or outcomes.
Most patients can return to daily activities and sports, often within a matter of just a couple weeks.1
Your doctor will provide specific guidance on what to do immediately after your procedure, including rest, weightbearing, and limiting movement. Patients may not need to use as many narcotics as they would with traditional surgery.2
Why Nano Arthroscopy for the Foot and Ankle?
One surgeon shares why he incorporates Nano arthroscopy into his foot and ankle procedures.
"Nano has allowed me to develop several new techniques to treat difficult ankle fractures. Nano visualization provides 120° of straightforward viewing, which is ideal for the unique shape of the ankle. The small size allows for access in the smallest spaces."
Columbus, OH