Posterior Ankle and Hindfoot Arthroscopy

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy utilizes posteromedial and posterolateral portals for diagnosing and treating intra-articular and extra-articular disorders.
• The prone patient position with contralateral knee flexion and leg support is crucial for surgical access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the technique and outcomes of posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy.
• To highlight its utility in managing various ankle and hindfoot pathologies.

Main Methods:

• Patient positioning in prone with contralateral knee flexion and leg support.
• Fluoroscopic guidance for precise placement of posteromedial and posterolateral portals.
• Invasive distraction to enhance visualization of the ankle and subtalar joints.
• Performance of specific procedures such as arthrodesis and tendon tenolysis.

Main Results:

• Posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy was successfully performed in 189 ankles across 186 patients.
• The average patient age was 37.1 years.

Conclusions:

• Posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy is an effective minimally invasive approach for complex ankle and hindfoot conditions.
• The described technique, including portal placement and distraction, facilitates successful intra-articular and extra-articular procedures.