Bandage distraction technique for ankle arthroscopy

In ankle arthroscopy, the joint space of the talocrural joint is often too narrow for insertion of the scope and instruments. Various distraction devices for this procedure have been used to widen the joint space. Bandage distraction is effective and noninvasive, but it is difficult to extend the posterior joint space sufficiently for insertion of the scope. Here we describe a new bandage distraction method that can extend the posterior joint space adequately. Using our method, the anterior and posterior joint spaces on direct lateral radiographs were measured after adding the distraction force in nine healthy volunteers (18 ankles; three men and 6 women). This was compared to a previously reported method. The posterior joint space was widened a greater amount when our new bandage distraction technique was used.