Advantages of arthroscopic surgery in orthopaedic practice are well documented. The use and scope of ankle arthroscopy has evolved in the last decade. Its role in both the evaluation and treatment of chronic ankle pain has become more important with identification of newer pathologies. We aimed to identify the indications and complications of ankle arthroscopy in chronic ankle pain and to correlate the arthroscopic findings with pre-operative MRI/CT. A retrospective analysis of all procedures done in our unit from 2005-2009. Patient records, X- rays and scans were reviewed. 77 patients were included in the study (46 male/31 female). The commonest age group was the 4. th. decade. There was a male preponderance in the younger age group (<50y), and a female preponderance in the older age groups (>50y). The commonest indication was impingement syndrome (44%/mean age 38y), followed by osteochondral lesions of the talus (23%/mean age 36y) and Osteoarthritis (22%/mean age56y). Other pathology included synovitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, instability, AVN and combined pathologies. Pre-op MRI scans correlated with arthroscopic findings in 59%. The pathology most missed by MRI was impingement. 1 patient developed wound infection and another iatrogenic tendon rupture. 78% reported improvement in their symptoms following the procedure. Ankle arthroscopy is a safe and effective procedure. It is particularly useful in the diagnosis and treatment of impingement syndromes and osteochondral lesions. Although there are serious recognised complications, their incidence is low. Patients with chronic symptoms and normal MRI/CT may have treatable pathology on arthroscopy

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus are a challenging and increasingly recognized problem in chronic ankle pain. Many novel techniques exist to attempt to treat this challenging entity. Difficulties associated with treating OCLs include lesion location, size, chronicity and problems associated with potential graft harvest sites. Matrix associated stem cell transplantation (MAST) is one such treatment described for larger lesions >15mm. 2. or failed alternative therapies. This cohort study describes a 5 year review of the outcomes of talar lesions treated with MAST. A review of all patients treated with MAST by a single surgeon was conducted. Pre-operative radiographs, MRIs and FAOS outcome questionnaire scores were conducted. Intraoperative classification was conducted to correlate with imaging. Post-operative outcomes included FAOS scores, return to sport, revision surgery/failure of treatment and progression to arthritis/fusion surgery. 32 patients were identified in this cohort. There were 10 females, 22 males, with an average age of 35. 01. 73% had returned and continued playing active sport. 23 patients underwent MAST in the setting of a failed previous operative attempt, with just 9 having MAST as a first option. 9 patients out of 32 had a further procedure. Two patients had a further treatment directed at their OCL. Two patients had a fusion, 2 had a cheilectomy at > 4 years for impingement, one had a debridement of their anterolateral gutter, one had debridement for arthrofibrosis, one patient had a re alignment calcaneal osteotomy with debridement of their posterior tibial tendon. MAST has demonstrated positive results in lesions which prove challenging to treat, even in a “failed microfracture” cohort