Levon N Nazarian1,2,3, Nar V Gulvartian1,2,3, Erik C Freeland1,2,3, Wen Chao1,2,3. 1. Department of Radiology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (LNN, NVG). 2. Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey (ECF). 3. Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (WC).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ankle impingement is a common cause of chronic ankle pain. We retrospectively studied the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle fenestration of the pathological soft tissues combined with corticosteroid injection to treat this condition. METHODS: We administered a telephone survey to patients who underwent the procedure. Patients were asked questions on the Foot Function Index and queried about their overall satisfaction with the procedure on a scale of 0 (completely unsatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). RESULTS: Forty-nine patients participated in the survey: 26 women and 23 men, mean age 42.7 years (range, 19-65 years). Impingement was anterior in 26/49 (53.1%), anterolateral in 14/49 (28.6%), and both in 9/49 (18.4%). Mean pain level before the procedure was 6.76 ± 1.84 and after the procedure was 2.73 ± 2.21. Reported pain scale levels declined by 4.02 ± 2 units after the procedure (P < .0001). Patient's overall satisfaction was 7.9 ± 2.44. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle fenestration and corticosteroid injection appears to be an effective nonoperative alternative for treatment of anterior and/or anterolateral ankle impingement. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.
BACKGROUND: Ankle impingement is a common cause of chronic ankle pain. We retrospectively studied the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle fenestration of the pathological soft tissues combined with corticosteroid injection to treat this condition. METHODS: We administered a telephone survey to patients who underwent the procedure. Patients were asked questions on the Foot Function Index and queried about their overall satisfaction with the procedure on a scale of 0 (completely unsatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). RESULTS: Forty-nine patients participated in the survey: 26 women and 23 men, mean age 42.7 years (range, 19-65 years). Impingement was anterior in 26/49 (53.1%), anterolateral in 14/49 (28.6%), and both in 9/49 (18.4%). Mean pain level before the procedure was 6.76 ± 1.84 and after the procedure was 2.73 ± 2.21. Reported pain scale levels declined by 4.02 ± 2 units after the procedure (P < .0001). Patient's overall satisfaction was 7.9 ± 2.44. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle fenestration and corticosteroid injection appears to be an effective nonoperative alternative for treatment of anterior and/or anterolateral ankle impingement. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.