[Ankle impingement. Indications and arthroscopic therapy]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Ankle impingement syndromes are common chronic and posttraumatic pathologies.
• They involve the abutting of anatomical structures, causing pain and restricted ankle motion.
• Symptoms include chronic pain, swelling, and limited dorsiflexion/plantar flexion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the current understanding of ankle impingement syndromes.
• To outline diagnostic approaches for soft tissue and bony impingement.
• To review therapeutic strategies, including conservative and surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Classification of impingement based on location and cause.
• Diagnostic role of clinical examination and imaging techniques.
• Review of conservative and arthroscopic surgical treatments.

Main Results:

• Clinical assessment is key for soft tissue impingement; imaging for bony types.
• Conservative treatment is the initial approach.
• Arthroscopic resection and debridement are the standard surgical treatments for refractory cases.

Conclusions:

• Ankle arthroscopy is a safe procedure with a low complication rate (approx. 3%).
• It leads to high postoperative patient satisfaction and significant symptom relief.
• This surgical approach is the standard for managing persistent ankle impingement when conservative methods fail.