Ankle surgery: focus on arthroscopy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Ankle Joint Pathologies

Background:

• Ankle joint diseases present varied symptoms, impacting daily activities.
• Arthroscopy offers a less invasive surgical approach compared to open surgery.
• Anatomical challenges in the ankle joint make arthroscopic procedures more complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes of ankle arthroscopy for various pathologies.
• To assess the efficacy of arthroscopic techniques in improving patient function and pain.
• To determine the long-term results of arthroscopic treatment for ankle conditions.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series of over 600 ankle arthroscopies performed since 2000.
• Treatment focused on impingement syndrome, osteochondral lesions, instabilities, and fractures.
• Outcomes assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and follow-up evaluations.

Main Results:

• Arthroscopy for impingement yielded good or excellent results in 80% of cases, with symptom improvement.
• Significant AOFAS score improvements were observed in patients with ligament injuries and fractures.
• Osteochondral injuries showed progressive clinical improvement, with MRI and biopsy confirming tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Ankle arthroscopy demonstrates encouraging clinical results, aligning with existing literature.
• The arthroscopic technique, post-learning curve, is a valuable tool for orthopedic surgeons.
• This approach contributes to favorable patient outcomes in managing ankle joint conditions.