Ankle arthroscopy in industrial injuries of the ankle

Industry-related injuries to the foot and ankle are not uncommon. These cases are often difficult to evaluate with respect to degree of damage and even more difficult to quantitate with regard to functional impairment. This article represents an attempt to determine the role of ankle arthroscopy in the evaluation of ankle injuries that involve compensation or liability. A retrospective review was conducted. The study group consisted of 40 patients who underwent a total of 42 arthroscopic procedures. The patients were evaluated with regard to the mechanism of injury and clinical manifestations. Pain and swelling were the most common preoperative symptoms. The majority of patients had pain localized to the lateral and anterolateral ankle. There were a high percentage of positive bone scans that correlated well with bone pathology but poorly with soft-tissue pathology. Computed tomography (CT) scans were equivalent to tomograms in the demonstration of bone pathology. Follow-up was obtained in 24 patients. At least 50% of the patients had some improvement in their symptoms. Thirty-three percent believed there was no change, and 17% said they were worse. Over 70% of the patients were able to return to work, although 20% had to change their occupation. Fifteen percent were considered disabled. In patients without a specific diagnosis, ankle arthroscopy was helpful in establishing a diagnosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)