Arthroscopic Treatment of Anterolateral Ankle Soft Tissue Impingement

Ankle anterolateral soft-tissue impingement is a relatively common disorder, especially among athletes with a history of ankle inversion injuries. The diagnosis can be challenging, and surgical treatment by arthroscopy may be underutilized because of unfamiliarity with contemporary ankle arthroscopic techniques. Anterolateral impingement is characterized by chronic pain at the anterolateral ankle with physical activity. Physical examination findings are highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of anterolateral impingement. Ankle arthroscopic debridement is the procedure of choice for surgical management. Optimal patient positioning and portal establishment, as well as specialized instrumentation use, are key components to efficient and successful arthroscopic debridement. Ankle arthroscopic debridement for anterolateral soft-tissue impingement has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment. This article highlights the key elements involved in the diagnosis and surgical management.