Anteromedial Impingement in the Ankle Joint Outcomes Following Arthroscopy

Background: Arthroscopic debridement is a well-accepted method of removing osseous and/or soft tissue impingement from the ankle joint. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case series reporting the outcomes following arthroscopic resection of anteromedial impingement. Purpose: The authors report the results at a minimum 2-year follow-up of 41 patients who underwent arthroscopic resection for anteromedial impingement. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Arthroscopic surgery for anteromedial impingement was performed on 43 patients under the care of the senior surgeon between January 2005 and July 2007; 41 patients were included in the present study. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and Short Form 36 (SF-36v2) outcome scores. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 31.12 years (range, 13-57 years). The mean follow-up time was 34.41 months (range, 24-52 months). Thirty-four patients (83%) were competing at some level of athletic sport. Results: Thirty-eight patients (93%) were satisfied with the procedure. The AOFAS scores improved from 62.83 points preoperatively to 91.17 points postoperatively (range, 61-100 points) (P < .001). The SF-36v2 scores improved from 61.54 points preoperatively to 92.21 points postoperatively (range, 58-100 points) (P = .002). All but 1 patient returned to their prior level of sporting activity. Three patients (7%) reported a complication. Conclusion: Arthroscopic resection for anteromedial impingement provides excellent functional outcomes, thereby allowing the athlete an expedited return to sport at previous levels of competition.