Arthroscopic arthrodesis of the ankle, subtalar, and first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Arthroscopy of the foot and ankle should become part of the armamentarium of the foot and ankle surgeon. An arthroscopic fusion procedure of the ankle, subtalar, or first MTP joint is a viable alternative in certain patients. Appropriately selected patients (i.e., those with minimal bony deformity and without significant bone defects or avascular bone) can expect fusion rates at least equivalent to the standard open procedure. The benefits are truly magnified when one considers that these procedure result in a shortened hospitalization time, less pain as a result of the minimal surgical dissection and soft tissue stripping, and faster rehabilitation times. As results in the literature become available, these procedures can be expected to become an acceptable means of achieving the desired treatment goals.