Posttraumatic soft tissue impingement of the ankle: arthroscopic findings and surgical outcomes.

UNLABELLED Painful conditions and limited dorsal flexion of the ankle, which are the result of the friction of joint tissues and also the cause and the effect of altered joint biomechanics, are called ankle impingement syndromes. Post-traumatic ankle injures, like an ankle sprains or ankle fractures, are the main causes of impingement lesions, which result in chronic ankle pain. PURPOSE To evaluate the results for patients treated arthroscopically for anterolateral soft tissue impingement after ankle injury. METHODS Twelve patients underwent operative arthroscopy for anterolateral impingement between 2010 and 2012, A retrospective study with a mean follow up of 1 year. There were 7 females and 5 males, average age 44.1 years. RESULTS Preoperative American ankle and foot score was average, 68 (63-71) points and after the operation 92 (87-95) points. CONCLUSION Soft tissue impingement of the talocrural joint shows painful and limited dorsal flexion and plantar extension, effusion and joint line tenderness especially in the anterolateral gutter. Arthrofibrosis following ankle fractures causes an unfavorable surgical outcome, and arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue is an effective means of improving articular function.