Ankle Arthroscopy: II. Indications and Results.
Diagnostic indications for the use of ankle arthroscopy include unexplained pain, swelling, stiffness, instability, hemarthrosis, and locking or popping, as well as a negative workup in a patient with significant ankle symptoms unresponsive to conservative care. Therapeutic indications include injuries of the articular cartilage and soft tissue, bone impingement, debridement of soft-tissue lesions, synovectomy and loose-body removal, arthrofibrosis, ankle fractures, and osteochondral defects. Ankle arthroscopy can also be used in ankle-stabilization procedures and arthrodesis, as well as for irrigation and debridement of septic arthritis. An algorithm has been developed to facilitate selection of the appropriate treatment for a patient with chronic ankle pain of unknown etiology. When used for the appropriate indications, ankle arthroscopy appears to give good results.
Stetson
WB
Missouri Bone and Joint Clinic, St. Louis.
Ferkel
RD