Abstract
Introduction: Arthroscopic management of posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) is now commonly practiced. Scanty information about the results of this procedure in a district hospitals is available.
Aim: We present the results of our series of patients treated with hindfoot arthroscopy for PAIS, and describe the complications encountered.
Patients and Method: Twenty procedures were performed on 19 patients (12 males, 7 females) between January 2006 and September 2008. Patients were followed up for an average of 7.9 months. Return to sport, patient satisfaction, relief of symptoms and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hind-foot score were all assessed.
Results: Procedures performed included excision of an os trigonum, flexor hallucis longus decompression, and microfracture of the posterior talus. The average age of the patients was 35 years. Return to activity occurred at an average of 4 weeks. Four patients were dissatisfied, 1 was unsure and all the other patients were satisfied with their outcome. The average pre-operative AOFAS score was 73.8 and the post operative score was 84.5. There were no neurovascular injuries.
Conclusion: There was a significant incidence of dissatisfied patients in the absence of major complications. This might reflect technical difficulties early in the early learning curve for this procedure.
Correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Andrew H. N. Robinson, Editorial Secretary, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, BOX 37, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, England.
