title: The incidence of complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ovid/Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched for pertinent references to be included. In addition, we hand-searched common American and European orthopaedic and podiatric surgical journals for relevant articles. Articles considered for inclusion were published in peer-reviewed journals, described complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy using a standard 2-portal technique, and involved 25 or more patients treated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 335 potentially relevant publications, of which 5 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 452 ankles (452 patients) were included in this study. Overall, 17 complications (3.8%) occurred, with only 8 (1.8%) requiring additional treatment or operative intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoscopic approach for the treatment of hindfoot and ankle pathology is safe with a low incidence of complications. However, additional studies with prospective designs should be undertaken to determine the long-term patient outcomes using validated scoring systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.
authors.affiliation: Winona Health Podiatry, Winona, Minnesota, U.S.A.. Electronic address: mikedonnenwerth@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Donnenwerth
authors.forename: Thomas S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Roukis
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013380:Subtalar Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome