DIAGNOSTIC ANKLE ARTHROSCOPY

Abstract

In the past the diagnostic component of the ankle arthroscopy was the most important. Currently, because of improved radiographic techniques and instruments used, the therapeutic component is the most important. The diagnostic component of ankle arthroscopy has aided in the gathering of information not otherwise obtainable, adjustment of existing knowledge of the anatomy and improvement of both open and closed interventions. For the purpose of detection of intra-articular lesions after ankle trauma, arthroscopy has been proven to represent a very helpful diagnostic tool in assessing extent and in particular stability and integrity of the osteochondritic lesion. Apart from enabling the various minimally invasive surgical treatment options, ankle arthroscopy should be performed in all patients with OCD of the talus in order to help define the treatment strategy and avoid unnecessary surgery on stable lesions. Preoperative ankle arthroscopy revealed an essential amount of information that would otherwise have been undetected, and can modify operative decision. The present results suggest that arthroscopy can be used to diagnose the cause of residual pain after an ankle sprain in most cases that are otherwise undiagnosable by clinical examination and imaging study.