Arthroscopic Treatment of Ankle Arthritis

Ankle arthritis can be broadly classified as primary arthritis (nontraumatic degeneration) or secondary arthritis (post-traumatic degeneration). A good understanding of the anatomic features and presentations associated with each will assist the surgeon in determining the best course of action for each patient. Many variations of both primary and secondary arthritis can be treated conservatively; however, there are many times when conservative therapy is not adequate. In these cases, ankle arthroscopy may be considered before a joint fusion or replacement. Here, the authors discuss the common types of ankle arthritis, their presentations, and treatment success with ankle arthroscopy.