Soft Tissue Impingement of the Ankle: Pathophysiology, Evaluation, and Arthroscopic Treatment

Soft tissue impingement (STI) syndrome is one of 3 causes of a larger all-encompassing joint impingement pathologic condition, which also includes bone and neuropathic entrapment. Altered joint biomechanics and friction of joint tissues combine to cause chronic pain and often functional instability. Although the most common form of STI to the ankle is anterolateral in location, posterior and anteromedial impingement is also discussed in this article. Furthermore, a discussion of biomechanical deficiencies and how they may effect location and cause of STI of the ankle is explored along with pathophysiology, clinical and diagnostic evaluation, current treatments, and long-term outcomes.