In-Office Needle Arthroscopy for the Foot and Ankle

Abstract

In-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) has been a readily available tool dating back to the 1990s, primarily for diagnostic purposes. This technique was not fully accepted and implemented because of significant limitations with the image quality and lack of instrumentation available to simultaneously treat the identified pathologies. However, recent advancements in IONA technology have made it possible to perform arthroscopic procedures under local anesthesia in the office setting, which once required a full operating suite. IONA has revolutionized how we treat foot and ankle pathologies in our practice. IONA allows the patient to be an active participant in the procedure and provides an interactive experience. IONA can be used to treat a range of foot and ankle pathologies, including anterior ankle impingement, posterior ankle impingement, osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint, hallux rigidus, lateral ankle ligament repair, and tendoscopic treatment of Achilles, peroneal, and posterior tibial tendon disorders. Excellent outcomes with regard to subjective clinical outcomes, return to play times, and complications have been reported following IONA for these pathologies.