Interphalangeal arthroscopy of the toes

Interphalangeal (IP) joint pathology of the toes has gained little attention of the orthopedic surgeon. However, similar intra-articular pathologies e.g. osteoarthritis, synovitis, chondral lesion, arthrofibrosis and instability can occur as in other joints. Moreover, many corrective procedures of toe deformity involved excisional arthroplasty or arthrodesis of the IP joint although it is not the site of primary pathology. Classically, the operations of the IP joint were performed in an open manner. We described the technique of interphalangeal arthroscopy and its application to treat various pathologies of the interphalangeal joint was discussed. Among the various indications for interphalangeal arthroscopy, arthroscopic ganglionectomy of recurrent IP ganglion is the single most important one.