Ankle osteophyte

[Osama2010]

Hello. My name is Osama

I'm 25 years old from Egypt

2 weeks ago, I wake up in the morning with pain in my right ankle. The pain gradually worsens over the next few days becoming very severe and I couldn't stand on my right foot. My right ankle and foot also became swollen. The orthopedic doctor initially said that this was just a synovitis and prescribed some anti inflammatory drugs. The pain slightly decreased. A week ago I had an X-Ray of my right ankle which showed an osteophyte anterior to the talus:
http://imageshack.us/a/img441/2081/img0348c.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img341/3199/img0347cc.jpg

The doctor said that this must have a long history (6-7 years) and that we will try anti inflammatories and rest for another 2 weeks hoping that the inflammation will subside and the ankle returns normal. If not it will need surgical excision.

I really need another opinion regarding whether I should wait another week or is there no chance of it returning normal.
Should I choose a laparoscopic surgery or open surgery?
What complications should I expect in both?

Thanks a lot

[Osama2010]

Hello Dr. Kaul,

Well, About 2 and half weeks have passed now since the pain started and there is no satisfactory improvement regarding the pain and the ability to use my leg properly. So I decided with the doctor to go for a laparoscopic excision next Saturday.

Hope I can go back to playing football.

Thanks a lot for your reply.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hey Osama!

-I would suggest going with the doctor’s advice of an initial trial of conservative management before choosing interventional/ surgical options.
- This would depend on the expertise of the orthopedic surgeon. When given an option a laproscopic surgery would be preferable due to faster recovery and lesser complications.
- Infection, inflammation, injuries to tendons/ ligaments/ nerves etc are some of the associated complications.
I would suggest discussing the situation, the suggested management plan and the expected prognosis in detail with your treating orthopedician.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!