Ankle arthroscopy: review and long-term results

Ankle arthroscopy has evolved over the past decade as a diagnostic and an operative modality. Forty ankle arthroscopies were performed by the senior author (G.J.S.) for osteochondral fractures, chronic sprains unresponsive to conservative treatment, posttraumatic osteoarthritis, adhesions, locking, instability, synovitis, and ankle disability of undetermined cause. Thirty cases with at least 24 months of follow-up were reviewed. Complications occurred in two patients: reflex sympathetic dystrophy and a fibular fracture. Postoperatively, the patients were rated clinically as having 13% excellent, 60% good, 17% fair, and 10% poor results. However, 95% of the patients stated that they would undergo the same operation again if needed. Results were significantly better in those patients who had chondral or osteochondral defects as the diagnosis, and in noncompensation cases.