The anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle

Four cases in professional athletes and a ballet dancer of what we would like to term the anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle are described. A brief review of the very sparse literature is presented. The cause is felt to be the repeated pull of the anterior ankle joint capsule and the impingement of the talus against the tibia in running and jumping leading to calcific deposits along the lines of the capsular fibers. We feel that any athlete who has pain or limitation of motion secondary to the anterior impingement syndrome should be considered for surgical removal of the offending spurs. The four patients were able to return to their previous activity levels.