Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis with Total Ankle Replacement Through a Lateral Transfibular Approach
Published on: January 24, 2018
Comparison of visibility in needle arthroscopy of the ankle according to surgical experience: A cadaveric study
Jumpei Inoue1, Youichi Yasui2, Jun Sasahara2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan.
Background:
Literature regarding the feasibility of inexperienced surgeons using needle arthroscopy is limited. The present study aimed to clarify the feasibility of performing ankle needle arthroscopy for inexperienced surgeons.
Methods:
Diagnostic needle arthroscopy was performed for 10 cadaveric ankles by two surgeons with different levels of experience in ankle arthroscopy (inexperienced and expert surgeons). The visibility of arthroscopy was assessed based on a 15-point checklist and compared between surgeons. In addition, iatrogenic articular cartilage injury created by the inexperienced surgeon was investigated.
Results:
The number of visible points was significantly larger for the expert surgeon than for the inexperienced surgeon (14.1 ± 1.0 vs. 13.7 ± 1.0, P = 0.035). The location of cartilage injury was greatest on the medial talar dome when viewing from the anteromedial portal at a rate of 30%.
Conclusion:
Ankle needle arthroscopy may be an option for surgeons in the future, however, differences in surgeon experience may impact effective visualization.
