The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the shinbone (tibia), the smaller bone next to the shinbone (fibula) and the bone that fits into the socket formed by the tibia and the fibula (talus).

The talus sits on top of the heel bone (calcaneus), forming a secondary joint. On either side of the talus is a small bony protrusion – in some people, the outer one of these lumps is naturally separated, forming a separate bone (the os trigonum).

Strong ligaments on both sides of the ankle hold the bones together – helping to stabilise the joint and to control the range of movement.

Cris-crossing the ankle joint are many tendons, which connect the muscles to the bones of the foot, enabling movement. The large Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and gives the foot the power to walk, run and jump.

Inside the joint, the bones are covered with a slick, smooth material called articular cartilage, which enables smooth movement.

Anterior impingement (footballer’s ankle)
When the tendons are pinched between the two bones at the front of the ankle and the bottom of the shinbone at the front of the ankle.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: debridement and removal of pinching bone spurs.

Posterior impingement
When soft tissue at the back of the ankle joint gets pinched between the bones, causing pain, inflammation and swelling.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: os trigonum exision

Ankle instability
A sprain can stretch or tear the ligaments in the ankle, making them loose and unable to stabilise the joint. Symptoms are instability, pain and swelling.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: ligament tightening procedure

Osteochondral defects
During a sprain, the shinbone and anklebone can bang into each other, resulting in cartilage damage or a cyst forming in the bone. Symptoms are pain, swelling and catching.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: debridement and bone graft

Ankle osteoarthritis
Bones in the joint become misshapen and misaligned due to degenerative arthritis. Results in pain, stiffness, swelling, instability and difficulty walking.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: ankle fusion

Achilles tendon problems
The Achilles tendon is the thick cord running from your calf to your heel. It can get injured through overuse, and the degeneration leaves it at risk of rupturing. Inflammation, weakness and pain are the result.
Most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery: debridement and tendon reconstruction