Anteromedial impingement in the ankle joint: outcomes following arthroscopy

Am J Sports Med. 2010 Oct;38(10):2017-24. doi: 10.1177/0363546510369335. Epub 2010 May 17.

Abstract

Background: Arthroscopic debridement is a well-accepted method of removing osseous and/or soft tissue impingement from the ankle joint. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case series reporting the outcomes following arthroscopic resection of anteromedial impingement.

Purpose: The authors report the results at a minimum 2-year follow-up of 41 patients who underwent arthroscopic resection for anteromedial impingement.

Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Arthroscopic surgery for anteromedial impingement was performed on 43 patients under the care of the senior surgeon between January 2005 and July 2007; 41 patients were included in the present study. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and Short Form 36 (SF-36v2) outcome scores. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 31.12 years (range, 13-57 years). The mean follow-up time was 34.41 months (range, 24-52 months). Thirty-four patients (83%) were competing at some level of athletic sport.

Results: Thirty-eight patients (93%) were satisfied with the procedure. The AOFAS scores improved from 62.83 points preoperatively to 91.17 points postoperatively (range, 61-100 points) (P < .001). The SF-36v2 scores improved from 61.54 points preoperatively to 92.21 points postoperatively (range, 58-100 points) (P = .002). All but 1 patient returned to their prior level of sporting activity. Three patients (7%) reported a complication.

Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection for anteromedial impingement provides excellent functional outcomes, thereby allowing the athlete an expedited return to sport at previous levels of competition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ankle Joint / pathology
  • Ankle Joint / surgery*
  • Arthroscopy
  • Exostoses / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Joint Diseases / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteophyte / surgery
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pain
  • Soccer
  • United States
  • Young Adult