Web Impingement Syndrome of the Ankle: A Rare Cause of Persistent Post-traumatic Pain

Web impingement syndrome of the ankle is a rare and often underdiagnosed cause of persistent post-traumatic pain, mainly due to limited awareness of its clinical and radiological presentation. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with chronic ankle pain and limited mobility after a traumatic injury. Despite favorable healing of the osseous and ligamentous injuries on imaging, she continued to experience significant pain and functional limitation seven months later, necessitating further diagnostic workup. Clinical evaluation revealed localized tenderness over the anterior aspect of the ankle, along with a restricted range of motion, particularly in dorsiflexion. Imaging studies, including MRI, demonstrated joint effusion and identified an intra-articular fibrous band within the anterior talocrural recess, causing mechanical impingement and contributing to the patient's symptoms. The patient underwent arthroscopic resection of the fibrous tissue, which resulted in gradual and sustained symptomatic improvement, with restoration of function during follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering web impingement syndrome in the differential diagnosis of persistent post-traumatic ankle pain, particularly when standard imaging studies are inconclusive. Early recognition of this condition is essential to prevent chronic functional impairment and guide appropriate management. Arthroscopic intervention offers a minimally invasive and effective treatment option, leading to significant symptomatic relief and improved joint mobility. Increased awareness among orthopedic surgeons and radiologists can facilitate timely diagnosis and optimize patient outcomes in similar cases.