THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF CHRONIC HINDFOOT PAIN WITH POSTERIOR ANKLE ENDOSCOPY

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of hindfoot endoscopy and to show the availability of this technique by short- to mid-term outcomes on 27 consecutive patients.
 Methods: A case series of 27 patients, mean age 19-63(mean37.6) ,15 man and 12 woman, diagnosed and treated for chronic hindfoot pain were included for the study between 2010-2016 All these patients were initially treated conservatively. If conservative treatment is insufficient to alleviate symptoms, posterior ankle endoscopy is performed. Patient data included age, gender, the location and the pattern of foot, follow-up, the time delay from symptom onset to operation, surgeries, the length of hospitalization, the pain scores (AOFAS, VAS), time to return to work, and complications.
 Results: The indications for 27 patients were posterior ankle impingement syndrome (n:8), isolated flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tenosynovitis (n:7),loose body (n:2),subtalar joint arthrosis (n:3),achyl tendinitis (n:1) and peritendinitis(n:6). Symptom duration until operation was 6-22 months (mean 13.2 months). The patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery resumed to their work a mean time of 2-6 months (mean 2.5 months) after the surgery. All patients returned to their previous lives without any limitation or recurrence. Mean follow-up 46.5 months (21-96 months). AOFAS score was preoperative 44-63 (mean 51.4) and postoperative was 92-100 (mean 96.37). The VAS score was preop 5-8 (mean 6.4) and postop 0-2 (mean 0.62). One patient had a partial arterial injury that was repaired, and four patients had mild joint stiffness.
 Conclusion: Functional and clinical evaluations following hindfoot endoscopy revealed that all patients were very satisfied. Thus, posterior ankle endoscopy is an effective, elegant and rewarding treatment method in the case of continuing chronic hindfoot pain after failed non-surgical treatment modalities.