Arthroscopic treatment of impingement of the ankle reduces pain and enhances function.

A consecutive series of 105 patients with a median age of 35 (16-62) years who were operated on with arthroscopic resection for impingement of the ankle using standardized technique without distraction is presented. All patients complained of painful dorsiflexion and had failed to respond to conservative treatment. A total of 177 diagnoses were found, soft tissue impingement or synovitis in 89, anterior bony impingement in 44, chondral lesion in 20, loose bodies in 16 and osteoarthritis in eight. At follow-up after 2 years, 65 patients were pain free while 28 patients had experienced reduction of pain. Gait was improved in 30/41 patients and 22 resumed sporting activities. The results were graded excellent in 67, good in 25, fair in six and poor in seven patients. There were four deep infections and one synovial fistula in this series. The deep infections all responded well to arthroscopic synovectomy and intravenous antibiotics. In one patient persistent symptoms were recorded. Ankle arthroscopy yielded good results in the treatment of anterior impingement of the ankle as it effectively reduced pain and enhanced function.