Arthroscopy-Assisted Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Nail Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures: Description of a Minimally Invasive Procedure

When one is surgically managing an unstable ankle fracture, anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis is typically accomplished using an open surgical approach. We propose an arthroscopically assisted technique that restores normal anatomy while using a percutaneously placed intramedullary nail to fix the fibula. The patient is positioned supine, and the ankle is placed under traction by use of a tensor bandage. Standard anteromedial and anterolateral arthroscopy portals are used. The joint is examined for bony, ligamentous, and chondral injury. Lateral malleolus fracture reduction is accomplished with pointed reduction forceps to apply traction and rotation to the tip of the distal fibula fragment. A retrograde fibular intramedullary nail (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR) is inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Arthroscopy is then used to guide the reduction of the fibula and rotation of the fibula with placement of the arthroscope in the lateral gutter. Syndesmosis screws are placed once the fracture and syndesmosis reductions are confirmed through both fluoroscopy and arthroscopy.