Role of arthroscopy in ankle disorder--early experience

Eighty-four consecutive cases of ankle arthroscopy performed between 1985 and 1990 were reviewed. These patients had all undergone conservative treatment for at least six months for chronic ankle pain. This consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, physiotherapy and/or immobilisation. Arthroscopy was performed when there was no response to conservative treatment. Eighty-one percent (68) of the patients were between the ages 20 and 29 years. Eighty-nine percent (75) were male. The most common lesions identified were transchondral fractures, localised synovitis, osteoarthritis and loose bodies. These were treated by arthroscopic surgery which included debridement, removal of loose bodies and abrasive chondroplasty. All the patients were followed up for at least one year or until they were asymptomatic. Excellent results were observed in transchondral fracture, localised synovitis associated with chronic lateral ligament instability, loose bodies, anterior impingement syndrome, osteochondritis dissecans and meniscoid syndrome. Good to fair results were obtained in osteoarthritis and fibroarthrosis. There were no intra-operative or postoperative complications.