Open versus endoscopic excision of a symptomatic os trigonum: a comparative study of 41 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical results of a consecutive series of 43 cases of excision of a symptomatic os trigonum performed with an open versus hindfoot endoscopic technique.


METHODS
From 1994 to 2007, 43 patients underwent a symptomatic os trigonum excision. A subjective satisfaction questionnaire and a visual analog scale score for pain were obtained, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot score and the time to return to previous sports level were determined in 41 of 43 patients at follow up. Of the ankles, 16 had an open os trigonum excision and 25 had hindfoot endoscopic surgery. Group A (16 ankles, open surgery) and group B (25 ankles, endoscopic excision) were comparable concerning age, sex, profession, and concomitant injury of the ankle.


RESULTS
At follow-up evaluation (12 to 86 months after surgery), group B had a significantly shorter mean time to return to previous sports level. There was no difference in postoperative visual analog scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score, subjective satisfaction rating, or rating of sensory nerve loss between the 2 groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Both open surgery and hindfoot endoscopic excision of a symptomatic os trigonum were effective and safe. Patients with an endoscopic excision had a shorter time to return to previous sports level.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Guo
Qin Wei
QW
Institute of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
Hu
Yue Lin
YL
Jiao
Chen
C
Ao
Ying Fang
YF
Tian
De Xiang
DX
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome