[Arthroscopic synovial resection of the talocrural joint]

Arthroscopic resection of the synovial membrane was employed in the treatment of chronic pain antero-laterally in the talo-crural joint in eight patients. The ages of the patients varied from 12 to 45 years (median age 24 years). Ten patients had previously sustained traumatic sprains. The duration of the symptoms was, on an average, two years (1-15 years). Radiographic examination of the talo-crural joint revealed normal findings in all of the patients. Arthroscopically, in all of the patients, impingement of hypertrophic synovial tissue at the upper lateral corner of the talus was found. Trans-arthroscopic resection was performed with a shaver. A total of six patients became symptom-free and two experienced considerable relief of symptoms. The present authors have found the method to be suitable in selected cases of chronic pain in the talo-crural joint.