Information for Patients

Arthroscopy is a useful tool in the treatment of a variety of foot and ankle disorders. Multiple indications for ankle arthroscopy exist today, and more than likely these will be expanded in the future. Ankle problems that can be managed arthroscopically include soft-tissue and osseous impingement, loose bodies, adhesions, synovitis, and osteochondral defects of the talus. These conditions can be approached with the use of anterolateral and anteromedial portals and, if necessary, accessory portals. Arthroscopic ankle fusion can also be performed through the use of anterior portals for patients with arthritis of the ankle who do not respond to conservative management. Complications of ankle arthroscopy involve neurologic problems more often than arthroscopy elsewhere in the body. Damage to the branches of the superficial peroneal nerve as well as to the sural nerve makes up most of the complications. A thorough knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the foot and ankle plus use of the "nick and spread technique" can help avoid most of these complications.