Arthroscopic management of post traumatic anterolateral soft tissue ankle impingement

Abstract

Purpose: Was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic management of anterolateral soft tissue anke impingement (ALSTAI) secondary to ankle inversion injuries. Patients and Methods: We treated 27 cases of ALSTAI by arthroscpic debridement betweent Jan 2015 and Dec 2016. We excluded cases with associated chondral lesions, mechanical instability. Bony impingement and arthritic ankles. Results: After a mean follow-up period of 15 months (12-240, 24 cases (88%) had complete pain relief while 3 cases (12%) still had pain with strenuous activities. The AOFAS score improved from 42 pre operative to 88 post-operative (P value= 0.0001). According to Meislen criteria, 14 cases were excellent (51.8%), 10 cases (37.1%) were good while three cases (11.1%) were fair, but no poor results. There was no major postoperative complications in any patient. The reported complications were minor and few; temporary parathesia of the dorsum of the foot in two and peri-portal superficial infection in two, that resolved with antibiotics and local care. Conclusion: Arthroscopic debridement of the ankle proved to be effective and safe in management of anterolateral soft tissue ankle impingement subsequent to ankle inversion injuries.