Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome Research Articles

Effect of simultaneous bilateral surgery or simultaneous arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair in hindfoot endoscopic surgery for posterior ankle impingement syndrome in athletes

BackgroundPosterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) is sometimes complicated by bilateral cases and lateral ankle ligament injuries. Reports on bilateral surgery for PAIS and simultaneous surgery for lateral ankle ligament injury are scarce in the literature. MethodsWe present a 2-year follow-up of 76 athletic patients who underwent endoscopic hindfoot surgery for PAIS. Patients were divided into those who underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral surgery and PAIS surgery alone or simultaneous bilateral PAIS surgery without arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair. ResultsAll patients returned to full athletic activities postoperatively. There was no difference in all subscales of the SAFE-Q score between groups except for mean days after surgery for full return to athletic activities. ConclusionSimultaneous bilateral surgery and simultaneous arthroscopic lateral ankle ligament repair had no negative effect on subjective clinical evaluation 2 years after surgery in hindfoot endoscopic surgery for PAIS. Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective case-control study.

Single-Leg Heel Raise Capacity is Lower, and Perceived Ankle Instability is Greater, in Dancers and Athletes With Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome.

To compare clinical assessment findings between elite athletic populations with and without a clinical diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). Cross-sectional case-control study. Elite ballet and sport. Ten male and female professional ballet dancers and athletes with a clinical diagnosis of PAIS and were matched for age, sex, and activity to 10 professional ballet dancers and athletes without PAIS. Posterior ankle pain on body chart and a positive ankle plantarflexion pain provocation test. Single-leg heel raise (SLHR) endurance test, range of motion testing for weight-bearing ankle dorsiflexion, passive ankle plantarflexion, and first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion, and Beighton score for generalized joint hypermobility. Participants also completed the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) questionnaire. The group with PAIS achieved significantly fewer repetitions on SLHR capacity testing (P = 0.02) and were more symptomatic for perceived ankle instability according to CAIT scores (P = 0.004). Single-leg heel raise endurance capacity was lower, and perceived ankle instability was greater in participants with PAIS. The management of this presentation in elite dancers and athletes should include the assessment and management of functional deficits.

Posterior Ankle Impingement: It's Not Only About the Os Trigonum.

Os trigonum and Stieda process are common etiologies for posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS), and diagnosis is typically made by radiographs, computed tomographic, or magnetic resonance imaging. However, these static tests may not detect associated soft tissue and bony pathologies. Posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy (PAHA) is dynamic, providing at least ×8 magnification with full anatomical visualization. The primary aim of this study was to report the prevalence of associated conditions seen with trigonal impingement treated with PAHA. In this retrospective comparative study, patients who underwent PAHA for PAIS due to trigonal impingement, from January 2011 to September 2016, were reviewed. Concomitant open posterior procedures and other indications for PAHA were excluded. Demographic data were collected with pre- and postoperative diagnosis, arthroscopic findings, type of impingement, location, associated procedures, and anatomical etiologies. Trigonal impingements were divided in os trigonal or Stieda and subgrouped as isolated, with flexor hallucis longus (FHL) disorders, with FHL plus other impingement, and with other impingement lesions. A total of 111 ankles were studied-74 os trigonum and 37 Stieda. Isolated trigonal disorders accounted for 15.3% of PAIS (n = 17). Cases having associated conditions had a mode of 3 additional pathologies. FHL disorders were found in 69.4%, subtalar impingement in 32.4%, posteromedial ankle synovitis in 25.2%, posterolateral ankle synovitis in 22.5%, and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament impingement in 19.8% of cases. Associated pathologies were observed in 58.6% of cases when FHL was not considered. Significant differences were noted comparing os and Stieda (isolated: 20.3% to 5.4%, P = .040; FHL plus others: 35.1% to 59.5%, P = .015). Trigonal bone (os trigonum or Stieda) was found to cause impingement in isolation in a small proportion of cases even when the FHL was considered part of the same disease spectrum. This should alert surgeons when considering removing trigonal impingement. Open approaches may limit the visualization and assessment of associated posterior ankle and subtalar pathoanatomy, thus possibly overlooking concomitant causes of PAIS. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Prevalence of posterior ankle impingement syndrome after ankle sprain in fast bowlers

Background: Cricket is a competitive, physically challenging game requiring a wide range of attribute including explosive power strength agility speed and physical and mental toughness. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in fast bowlers after ankle sprain. Methods: In this study club level fast bowlers age group ranging from 18-25 years were considered. Selection of the subjects were done as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sample size for study was 152. Purpose and procedure of the study was explained to the subjects. Clinical test such as anterior drawer test and Talar tilt test were performed to diagnosed ankle instability after ankle sprain. Subjects having atleast one test positive was further consider and hyper plantarflexion test were performed to confirmed posterior ankle impingement syndrome. Results: The 68% of players are having posterior ankle impingement syndrome after ankle sprain. Conclusions: The study concludes that there is high prevalence of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in fast bowlers after ankle sprain in players ranging from 18-25 years and involved in cricket for more than 3 years.

Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome in a Nonathletic Population: Causes, Treatment Modalities, and the Results of Endoscopic Treatment.

A common cause of posterior ankle pain is posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). Many studies about PAIS have been conducted on special groups such as athletes and dancers; there has been no previous study of a nonathletic population. This study aimed to evaluate the causes and treatment methods of PAIS in the nonathletic population and compare it with the athletic population. A retrospective review was performed and 28 of 46 patients (60.9%) recovered from two-staged conservative therapy. In the 18 patients (39.1%) who did not benefit from 3 months of conservative treatment, hindfoot endoscopy was applied. Patient data, including sex, age, occupation, and sports activity level, were recorded. Visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot, and Tegner scores were recorded. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 4-point Likert scale. Complications were recorded. Mean follow-up was 27.4 months. At final follow-up, the AOFAS hindfoot score had significantly improved from 66.4 to 96.8 (P < .001). The Tegner score improved significantly from 4.6 to 8.8 (P < .001). The visual analog scale score was 6.4 and increased to 0.9 (P < .001). Using the 4-point Likert scale for patient satisfaction, 13 (72.2%) stated that the surgical procedure was excellent and five (27.8%) good. Mean time to return to work was 4.2 weeks. Sural nerve dysesthesia was seen in two patients (11.1%). This is the first study to evaluate PAIS in the nonathletic population. Conservative treatment showed good results as nearly two-thirds of the patients recovered. Hindfoot endoscopy in those not responding to conservative therapy is a successful treatment with low complication rates.

Dance-related musculoskeletal injury leading to forced time-loss in elite pre professional dancers – a retrospective study

ABSTRACT Young ballet dancers place themselves at risk of injury on a daily basis, often pushing their training beyond limits, ultimately leading to pain and injury. When signs and symptoms of injury are ignored, functional ability and overall health may be seriously compromised and absence from dance practice may forcibly take place. Objectives Describe the epidemiology of dance-related musculoskeletal injury leading to forced time-loss in elite pre-professional dancers and provide descriptive data on the prevalence concerning diagnoses, location, and injury type, stratified by gender and skill level. Methods Retrospective cohort, over a 3-year period on a full‐time pre-professional Portuguese dance school featuring 70 both gender students with a mean age of 14.87 years. A total of 110 injuries were analyzed. Non‐parametric statistics were used. Results The most prevalent diagnosis leading to forced time-loss in female dancers were Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), 14.29%, and Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome (PAIS), 7.14%, whereas in male dancers these were Hallux Sprain, 17.50%, and Lumbar Spine Joint Injuries, 7.50%. Differences were found in injuries’ anatomical location between genders and in Incidence Proportion and Clinical Incidence between skill levels. 72.20% of the chronic injuries and 50.00% of the acute injuries occurred in Level III students. Conclusions With respect to forced time-loss injuries, male dancers were found to sustain more acute traumatic injuries and female dancers overuse, respectively, sprains and MTSS and PAIS. Identifying which injuries are most likely to lead to forced time-loss may be useful for helping health-care professionals in clinical decision-making and in developing more effective injury prevention and management strategies.

Posterior Ankle Impingement: It is Not All About the Os Trigonum

Category: Arthroscopy; Ankle; Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Posterior ankle and hindfoot arthroscopy (PAHA) is a well described procedure used for treating posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). Os trigonum and trigonal process (Stieda) are common etiologies and diagnosis is typically made by radiographs, CT, or MRI. However, these static tests may not detect associated soft tissue and other bony pathologies, which are often dynamic. Physical examination and Ultrasound (US) are dynamic. US can be limited by depth. Traditional open treatment may not allow visualization and appreciation for these associated pathologies. PAHA is dynamic providing at least 8X magnification with full visualization of the posterior ankle and subtalar joints. The primary aim of this study is to report the incidence of associated pathologies seen with os trigonum or Stieda impingement when treated with PAHA. Methods: A retrospective case series of patients who underwent PAHA for PAIS due to trigonal impingement between January 2011 and September 2016 were reviewed. Surgeries were performed by three fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons in 251 patients. Exclusions were those having concomitant open posterior procedures, other indications for PAHA (e.g., OCL, subtalar fusion) or other PAIS etiology (e.g., soft tissue impingement). After exclusions, 112 patients were studied, with a mean age of 30.5 (12-70) and a BMI of 29.93 (SD 9.23). Demographic data was collected along with pre and postoperative diagnosis, arthroscopic findings, type of impingement, location of the disorder, associated procedures, and anatomical etiologies. Trigonal impingements were allocated as os trigonal or Stieda and subgrouped as isolated, with other impingement lesions +/- FHL disorders. Differences between groups with isolated trigonal impingement and those with associated pathologies were determined by distribution comparison. Wilcoxon test was used to compare subgroups. Results: From the 112 cases, 75 were os trigonum and 37 Stieda. Isolated trigonal disorders accounted for 16% of the total PAIS patients (n=18). Those cases having pathologies other than trigonal impingement had a mode of 3 (1-5) additional pathologies with 41% of the treated cases having 3 or more adjunctive findings needing treatment during posterior arthroscopy. Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) disorders were found in 68% of cases, subtalar problems in 44%, and transverse posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (tPITFL) in 19%. A 58% proportion of associated pathologies was observed when FHL disorders were not considered. Significant differences were noted when comparing os trigonum and Stieda subgroups (FHL: 29% to 18%, p&lt;0.001; FHL and others: 34% to 59%, p=0.046; other findings: 14% to 16%, p=0.025). Conclusion: Our study described a high prevalence of associated pathological structures involved with a trigonal disorder leading to PAI in a large cohort. Trigonal bone (os trigonum or Stieda) was found to cause impingement in isolation in a small proportion of cases (16%). Even when the FHL is removed from the equation, 58% of the total patients still presented other associated impingement pathologies. This should alert surgeons when considering removing trigonal impingement especially with an open approach. Open approaches may limit the visualization and assessment of associated posterior ankle and subtalar pathoanatomy, thus possibly overlooking concomitant causes of PAIS.

Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Hindfoot Endoscopic Surgery using 1.9-mm Diameter Needle Arthroscopy for Posterior Ankle Impingement in Athletes

Category: Arthroscopy; Ankle; Hindfoot; Sports Introduction/Purpose: Posterior hindfoot endoscopy is a safe and effective treatment for posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS). However, wound-healing problems following hindfoot endoscopy have been still reported. Recently, a novel 1.9- mm diameter needle-arthroscopic system has been introduced. Its small features can help reduce the risk of wound complications and can have the potential to make it earlier to return to play sports due to its minimally invasiveness. To our knowledge, no studies have been reported regarding PAIS treatment using a 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes including return to sports following hindfoot endoscopic surgery using 1.9-mm diameter needle- arthroscopy for PAIS. Methods: Six patients who engaged in athletic activity (mean age 21.7 [range 16-34] years) and were treated by a hindfoot endoscopic surgery using a 1.9-mm diameter arthroscopic system (NanoScopeTM, Arthrex) for PAIS were included. In all patients, os trigonum was resected and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tenosynovitis was debrided. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score was evaluated and Visual analog scale (VAS) at 1 day and 2 weeks after surgery were recorded. Time to return to sports activity at preinjury level was also evaluated. Engaged sports included soccer (3 patients), ballet (2 patients), and lacrosse (1 patient). Results: The mean AOFAS score improved significantly from 77.7 to 100 after surgery (p&lt;0.001). Mean VAS score at 1 day and 2 weeks were 1.5 (range 0-3) and 0.3 (range 0-1). respectively. All patients were able to return to full sports activities and the mean time to return to sports activities at preinjury level was 4.8 weeks (range 3-7 weeks). No complications were reported. Conclusion: Posterior hindfoot endoscopy using a 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopy provided excellent clinical outcomes in the treatment of PAIS with relatively earlier return to play sports compared to conventional arthroscopy surgery, although this is not a comparative study. Minimum invasiveness with less postoperative pain using needle-arthroscopy may contribute to its early recovery. Further studies are required to support our results.

Prevalence of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in Egyptian swimmers

Background: Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common cause of posterior ankle pain that is known to be associated with sports which require the athletes to repetitively plantar flex the ankle such as ballet dancers, gymnasts, football, swimming, cycling. PAIS can limit the athlete’s ability to perform at the optimal level. Objective: To determine the prevalence of posterior ankle impingement syndrome in Egyptian swimmers. Subjects &amp; Methods: Three hundred and fifty male and female Athletes; their age ranging from 8 to 18 years old practicing swimming for at least one year. Diagnosis of PAIS was made based on history taking and assessment using hyper plantar flexion ankle special test. Results: The prevalence of PAIS in the selected sample was 24.9% with 95% CI of 20.62- 29.64%. Conclusion: Swimming practice must be with precautions to avoid PAIS injury.  Routine extensor tendon stretching before swimming and protective ankle dorsiflexion taping are recommended to prevent posterior ankle impingement syndrome.

Posterior osteochondroma of the talus as posterior ankle impingement syndrome: a case report

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common cause of ankle pain. Posterior osteochondroma of the talus is very rare and scarcely described in the literature, although it should always be considered an etiological hypothesis of posterior impingement. As for surgical treatment, both endoscopic and open approaches are reported as therapeutic options. The endoscopic approach, however, provides advantages over open procedures. Although little data has been published, it is believed that the former has more advantages. I report a rare case of posterior osteochondroma of the talus in a young man, clinically manifested as posterior ankle impingement syndrome and treated endoscopically. Level of Evidence V; Diagnostic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome Clinical Features Are Not Associated With Imaging Findings in Elite Ballet Dancers and Athletes.

To assess the association between clinical features and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) and to compare the prevalence of imaging findings between participants with and without a clinical diagnosis of PAIS. Case-control study. Elite ballet and sport. Eighty-two male (54%) and female participants comprising ballet dancers (n = 43), cricket fast bowlers (n = 24), and football (soccer) players (n = 15). Clinical: posterior ankle pain on body chart, passive plantarflexion pain provocation test. Patient-reported outcome measures: Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports subscale. Imaging findings including posterior ankle bone marrow edema, os trigonum (± bone marrow edema, and increased signal at synchondrosis), Stieda process (± bone marrow edema), talocrural and subtalar joint effusion-synovitis size, flexor hallucis longus tendinopathy, and tenosynovitis identified as present or absent on 3.0-Tesla MRI. Imaging findings were not associated with posterior ankle pain or a positive ankle plantarflexion pain provocation test. Imaging findings were not associated with patient-reported outcome measures. Imaging findings did not differ between PAIS-positive and PAIS-negative groups. Os trigonum and Stieda process were prevalent despite clinical status. The lack of association between imaging findings and clinical features questions the role of imaging in PAIS. Clinicians should rely primarily on clinical assessment in the diagnosis and management of patients with PAIS.

Improved Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction of In-Office Needle Arthroscopy for the Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement

PurposeTo investigate the short-term clinical outcomes and satisfaction for the first set of patients at our institution receiving in-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) for the treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS).MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate patients who underwent IONA for PAIS between January 2019 and January 2021. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, and Pain Intensity scores. Patient satisfaction was measured at the final follow-up visit with a 5-point Likert scale. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative outcome scores.ResultsTen patients (4 male and 6 female) with a mean age of 41.9 ± 15.5 years (range, 24-66 years) were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 13.3 ± 2.9 months (range, 11-17 months). All mean preoperative FAOS scores demonstrated improvement after IONA, including FAOS symptoms (71.48 ± 10.3 to 80.3 ± 12.6), pain (69.3 ± 11.0 to 78.2 ± 13.9), activities of daily living (61.7 ± 8.8 to 77.93 ± 11.4), sports activities (55.6 ± 12.7 to 76.0 ± 13.6), and quality of life (46.6 ± 9.2 to 71.1 ± 12.1). There were 7 patients who participated in sports activities before the IONA procedure. Within this group, all patients returned to play at a median time of 4.1 weeks (range, 1-14 weeks). The median time to return to work was 3.4 ± 5.3 days. Patients reported an overall positive IONA experience with a mean rating scale of 9.5 ± 1.5 (range, 5-10).ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates that IONA treatment of PAIS results in significant pain reduction, a low complication rate, and excellent patient-reported outcomes. In addition, IONA for PAIS leads to high patient satisfaction with a significant willingness to undergo the same procedure again.Level of EvidenceIV, therapeutic case series.

Posterior Hindfoot Endoscopy Using 1.9-mm Diameter Needle Arthroscopy: A Cadaveric Study

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; Hindfoot; SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Posterior hindfoot endoscopy is a safe and effective treatment for posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon disorders. As frequent coexistence of PAIS and FHL tenosynovitis has been reported, it is important to investigate FHL tendon pathology concomitantly when treating PAIS. However, the visualization of FHL tendon distal to the retinaculum is limited when using conventional rigid arthroscopy. Additionally, wound-healing problems following hindfoot endoscopy have been still reported. Recently, a novel 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopic system has been introduced. Its small and semirigid features can help reduce the risk of wound complications and can make it easier to perform FHL tendoscopy. The purpose of this study was to assess whether 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopy was useful for hindfoot endoscopy in a cadaveric model.Methods:A 1.9-mm diameter arthroscopic system (NanoScopeTM, Arthrex) was used to perform a hindfoot endoscopy in 6 human donor ankles (3 pairs). The arthroscope tube is 9.5-cm long and semi-rigid, and has a 1.9-mm outer diameter. The scope's direction of view is 0°, with a 120° field of view. Posteromedial and posterolateral portals were established. Visualization and operative reach with tailored arthroscopic instruments were recorded, including posterolateral talar process, posterior talofibular ligament, intermalleolar ligament, subtalar joint, ankle joint, and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon. Finally, a conventional 4.0-mm diameter arthroscope with a 30° angle was used to compare the visualization of FHL tendon.Results:All significant structures were successfully visualized and reached in all specimens. In ankle joint, all of the tibial surface was visualized, but visualization of talar surface was limited. Due to its wide 120° field of view, there was no difficulty obtaining sufficient visualization in any structures. As this needle-arthroscopic system has the semirigid frame, FHL tendoscopy was easily performed via the posterolateral portal. In all specimens, the FHL tendon was visualized from the level of ankle joint to the Knot of Henry (Zone 1 and 2), and the flexor digitorum longus tendon crossing obliquely over the FHL tendon was observed (Figure). The conventional arthroscope could not be inserted into the tunnel underneath the sustentaculum tali in any specimens.Conclusion:Posterior hindfoot endoscopy using a 1.9-mm diameter needle-arthroscopy provides effective visualization and surgical reach of all significant structures for the treatment of PAIS. Its small and semirigid features also make the FHL tendoscopy less invasive and more accessible than conventional rigid arthroscope.

Sindrom stražnjeg sraza gležnja u adolescenata

The goal of the study is to investigate posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) in the adolescent population and the differ- ences in delay periods for diagnosis. Furthermore, the intention is to present the results for arthroscopic treatment of PAIS in adoles- cents and compare them to the results found in published literature. A total of 16 adolescent patients (≤19 years old) included in the study were operated on solely for PAIS. A search was done on avail- able medical documentation primarily for the causes and length of the PAIS symptoms, and any reported complications. The Amer- ican Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was used to evaluate ankle function, while patient satisfac- tion was measured using the Abdelatif questionnaire. The average age of the patients at the time of the procedure was 16.8 years. The median period from the appearance of the first symptoms until the diagnosis was 8.5 months. No perioperative complications were recorded in the median follow-up period of 75 months. An increase in AOFAS score was noted, ranging from an average of 70.9 preoperatively to 97.0 postoperatively. All of the patients were very satisfied with the results of the procedure, emphasizing postoperative improvement in everyday ankle use. This study confirms the presence of a diagnosis delay for PAIS in the adolescent population, which is in line with the results published in the literature. Additionally, it has been shown that arthroscopic surgery is highly efficient for treating PAIS in the adolescent popu- lation.

Arthroscopic os trigonum en-bloc removal outcomes at 6-month follow-up are better compared to Stieda’s process resection in patients with posterior ankle impingement syndrome: a prospective comparative study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the potential differences in American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and Foot Function Index (FFI) at 6-month and 12-month postoperative follow-up of arthroscopic treatment for posterior ankle impingement (PAIS) between os trigonum (OT) and Stieda’s process (SP) patients.MethodsThirty consecutive patients (32 ankles) treated in our Institution for PAIS with posterior arthroscopy were prospectively enrolled in the study from December 2012 to July 2019. Indications were patients with PAIS with persistent symptoms following conservative management. Exclusion criteria were the coexistence of concomitant pathologies and patients who underwent additional surgical procedures. An independent investigator interviewed and evaluated the patients according to the AOFAS hindfoot score and FFI preoperatively, at 6-month and 12-month follow-up.ResultsExcept for AOFAS scores in the SP group (MD (mean difference) 11.28, p=0.08), patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for bony PAIS had an overall significant improvement in AOFAS score (OT MD 22.29, p<0.05) and FFI (OT MD −70.07, p<0.05; SP MD −50.96, p<0.05) from their preoperative scores at 6-month follow-up. Similarly, a significant improvement in AOFAS score (OT MD 5.78, p=0.01; SP MD 12.14, p<0.05) and FFI (OT MD −9.36, p=0.04; SP MD −26.43, p<0.05) was observed from the 6-month to 12-month follow-up in all groups. At 6-month follow-up, the OT group had significantly better FFI outcomes (MD −33.57, p=0.04) compared with the SP group. No differences were found by group when comparing AOFAS score and FFI score at 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsWhen comparing patients undergoing OT excision or SP resection, better FFI outcomes were observed in the OT group at 6-month follow-up.Level of evidenceProspective comparative study. Level II.

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome clinical features are not associated with imaging findings in elite ballet dancers and athletes

Introduction: Posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) commonly presents in elite ballet and some athletic populations. Imaging is frequently used as a diagnostic tool, and imaging findings can precipitate surgical intervention. The relationship between MRI findings and clinical presentation in PAIS is unclear. This study assessed the association between clinical features and MRI findings in PAIS and compared imaging and clinical findings between participants with and without a clinical diagnosis of PAIS.

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

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings associated with posterior ankle impingement syndrome are prevalent in elite ballet dancers and athletes.

To report the prevalence of MRI features commonly associated with posterior ankle impingement syndrome in elite ballet dancers and athletes and to compare findings between groups. Thirty-eight professional ballet dancers (47.4% women) were age- and sex-matched to 38 elite soccer or cricket fast bowler athletes. All participants were training, playing, and performing at full workload and underwent 3.0-T standardised magnetic resonance imaging of one ankle. De-identified images were assessed by one senior musculoskeletal radiologist for findings associated with posterior ankle impingement syndrome (os trigonum, Stieda process, posterior talocrural and subtalar joint effusion-synovitis, flexor hallucis longus tendon pathology and tenosynovitis, and posterior ankle bone marrow oedema). Imaging scoring reliability testing was performed. Posterior talocrural effusion-synovitis (90.8%) and subtalar joint effusion-synovitis (93.4%) were common in both groups, as well as the presence of either an os trigonum or Stieda process (61.8%). Athletes had a higher prevalence of either os trigonum or Stieda process than dancers (74%, 50% respectively, P = 0.03). Male athletes had a higher prevalence of either os trigonum or Stieda process than male dancers (90%, 50% respectively, P = 0.01), or female athletes (56%, P = 0.02). Posterior subtalar joint effusion-synovitis size was larger in dancers than athletes (P = 0.02). Male and female dancers had similar imaging findings. There was at least moderate interobserver and intraobserver agreement for most MRI findings. Imaging features associated with posterior impingement were prevalent in all groups. The high prevalence of os trigonum or Stieda process in male athletes suggests that this is a typical finding in this population.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome: Mid-Term Clinical Results and a Learning Curve

PurposeTo report mid-term clinical results of posterior ankle arthroscopy in the treatment of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) and to assess the learning curve and its influence on the results.MethodsThis was a retrospective evaluation of the clinical outcomes of posterior ankle arthroscopy and its learning curve in a series of patients with PAIS. Demographic and clinical data, surgical time, the American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle/hindfoot scores, and time to resumption of sports were recorded.ResultsFifty-nine patients with 72 posterior ankle arthroscopies were evaluated at a mean follow-up period of 60 months (24-133 months). Causes of PAIS were an os trigonum (50), a large posterior talar process (14), and soft-tissue impingement (8). There were 29 male and 30 female patients. The average age was 21.8 years (12-74 years). The average preoperative AOFAS score improved significantly from 79.6 to 97.6 postoperatively (P < .0001). The average time taken to resume training was 5.3 weeks, and the time to return to a competitive condition was 13.4 weeks. The times to resumption of training were shorter in elite athletes than local competitive athletes. The learning curve of the posterior ankle arthroscopy was detected and determined by a logarithmic trendline and moving averages. An experience of 26 cases was required to be proficient in posterior arthroscopies. The postoperative AOFAS scores were not statistically different between the initial and the latest 10 series each.ConclusionsThe mid-term follow-up results of endoscopic treatment for the PAIS were good, with a high success rate in returning to sports activities. Although a learning curve effect was detected in our series of arthroscopic treatment for the PAIS due to os trigonum, a low volume of experience did not affect the results.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

Effect of Bone Resection on Posterior Talofibular Ligament Integrity for Posterior Ankle Impingement Syndrome: A Cadaveric Study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the attachment areas of the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL) on the posterolateral tubercle of the talus and the remaining PTFL attachment areas after consequential bony excision.MethodsThirty fresh cadaveric ankles were dissected to study the proximal and distal attachment of the PTFL and separated the PTFL into anterior and posterior bundles. The description of the PTFL footprint and the anatomic landmarks from the surrounding structures were analyzed during consequential posterolateral bony excision.ResultsThe average PTFL dimension was 26.11 mm (length), 7.65 mm (width), and 1.82 mm (thickness). The footprint area of the PTFL on the talar site consists of the posterior bundle (76.82%) and the anterior bundle (23.18%). If posterolateral tubercle excision was stayed up to a line of a bottom of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) groove, at least 89% of the PTFL can be preserved.ConclusionThe posterior bundle of the PTFL is the main bundle on the talar footprint area. To maintain the majority of the attachment of the PTFL, the resection of the posterolateral process could be performed to the bottom of the FHL tendon groove. If resection reaches to the posterior articular cartilage, less than 50% of the PTFL will be preserved. Understanding the footprint of the PTFL plays a key role in posterior ankle impingement surgery.Clinical RelevanceThis study provides guidance for resection of the posterolateral tubercle of the talus and a portion of the PTFL attachment for posterior ankle impingement syndrome. Too much resection of the tubercle may cause instability symptoms.