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Operative ankle arthroscopy. Long-term followup.
D F Martin1, C L Baker, W W Curl
1Hughston Orthopaedic Clinic, PC, Columbus, Georgia 31995.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Ankle arthroscopy is effective for synovitis and talus defects, yielding good results in 64% of cases. However, outcomes are poor for degenerative joint disease, with a 15% complication rate.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Ankle arthroscopy is increasingly used for intraarticular ankle disorders.
- Over 100 procedures performed since 1983 at the institution.
- Evaluation needed to define the role of arthroscopic surgery in ankle treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of ankle arthroscopy.
- To identify patient groups that benefit most from the procedure.
- To assess complication rates associated with ankle arthroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 58 ankles in 57 patients with minimum 1-year follow-up.
- Analysis of preoperative diagnoses, operative data, and radiographs.
- Categorization of diagnoses: synovitis, transchondral talar defects, degenerative joint disease, osteophytes/loose bodies.
Main Results:
- Overall good or excellent subjective results in 64% of patients.
- Highest success rates for synovitis (77%) and transchondral talar defects (71%).
- Poor outcomes for degenerative joint disease (12% good/excellent results, 43% fusion rate); 15% overall complication rate.
Conclusions:
- Ankle arthroscopy is beneficial for selected patients, particularly those with synovitis and transchondral talar defects.
- Outcomes are less predictable for loose bodies and osteophytes; poor for degenerative joint disease.
- Proper patient selection, anatomical knowledge, and meticulous technique are crucial for successful ankle arthroscopy outcomes and minimizing complications.