Résultats du traitement arthroscopique des conflits tissulaires antérolatéraux de la cheville chez les sportifs : à propos d'une série de 22 cas

The origin of chronic pain after external ankle sprain is better known with arthroscopy's contribution. Chronic hypertrophic synovitis of the anterolateral ankle region is seemingly the cause, resulting in “anterolateral ankle impingement”. The authors propose the study of treatment outcomes in a retrospective series of 22 athletes with anterolateral ankle tissue conflict. We excluded all cases with bone or joint damage. The average age was 26 years. Patients had anterolateral mechanical pain associated with oedema following an external ankle sprain. Medical and rehabilitative treatment has been undertaken for more than 6 months before arthroscopy. No patient had ankle instability. It was no laxity on clinical examination. Computed tomography was performed in 18 cases and MRI in 4 cases. The average time between the trauma and arthroscopy was 21 months. Debridement with joint lavage has been performed arthroscopically. Rehabilitation was started on the second day postoperatively. The average follow-up was 23 months. According to Kitaoka score, 17 patients had an excellent result, three a good result. Arthroscopic treatment gave significant benefits on pain, oedema, as well as the resumption of sporting activities.