Neurological complications of ankle arthroscopy

Arthroscopy. 1996 Apr;12(2):200-8. doi: 10.1016/s0749-8063(96)90011-0.

Abstract

A retrospective review of the first 612 patients undergoing consecutive ankle arthroscopy in the practices of two experienced arthroscopists was under-taken. All inpatient records, outpatient charts, and operative reports were reviewed. Indications for surgery included pain, swelling, locking, and instability that failed to respond to nonoperative management. The results of our investigation revealed an overall complication rate of 9.0% (55 complications). There were 27 neurological complications (4.4% of all arthroscopies) accounting for 49.1% of the complications noted. Specifically, the superficial peroneal nerve was injured in 15 cases, the sural nerve in 6, the saphenous nerve in 5, and the deep peroneal nerve in 1. All nerve injuries occurred through direct injury by portal or distractor pin placement. No cases of neurological injury caused by tourniquet compression or compartment syndrome were seen. Also, 1 case of reflex sympathetic dystrophy was identified.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery*
  • Ankle Joint / innervation*
  • Ankle Joint / surgery
  • Arthroscopy / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Femoral Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Femoral Nerve / injuries*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / surgery
  • Peroneal Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Peroneal Nerve / injuries*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sural Nerve / anatomy & histology
  • Sural Nerve / injuries*
  • Treatment Outcome