Combined arthroscopic management of concurrent posterior and anterior ankle pathologies

Abstract

To determine the technical feasibility and preliminary clinical efficacy of performing simultaneous arthroscopic management in cases with combined posterior and anterior ankle pathologies utilizing previously described standard arthroscopic procedures within a single surgical sitting. Nineteen consecutive patients with combined anterior and posterior ankle pathologies were included in the current study, after at least 6 months of failed conservative managements. Combined standard posterior and anterior ankle arthroscopy was performed in all patients within the same surgical session; first with the patient in the prone position, then with the patient turned onto the supine position to perform the anterior procedure. All patients were available for the follow-up; the median follow-up period was 33 months (range 22-61 months). No persistent neurological deficits or infections were recorded. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hind foot Scale score significantly improved from 70.2 ± 15.2 points preoperatively to reach 93.0 ± 5.4 points at 1 year post-operatively (p < 0.001). Sixteen patients (84.2 %) returned to their previous activity levels. Combined arthroscopic management of concurrent posterior and anterior ankle pathologies within the same surgical session is initially clinically encouraging; it allows for an earlier return to activities of daily living without a significantly added morbidity. Case series, Level IV.