ABSTRACT
Objective To study clinical and pathological characteristics and effects of arthroscopic treatment of ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome(ASTIS). Methods A total of 21 cases of ASTIS underwent arthroscopic operations from November 2000 to April 2005.The impingement soft tissues were removed under arthroscope at 13.6?9.9 months after injury.The resected tissues were pathologically examined following surgery.The efficacy of arthroscopy was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS) rating scores. Results Arthroscopic findings showed the most common impingement tissue was synovium(20 cases),followed by distal fascicle of the anterior tibiofibular ligament(5 cases),fibrous scar tissue(4 cases),anterior talofibular ligament(3 cases),and meniscoid tissue(3 cases).ASTIS accompanying cartilage injuries was found in 16 cases.All the cases were followed for 7~60 months(mean,34.3?9.4 months).The AOFAS scores significantly increased postoperatively than preoperatively,with total scores from 67.0?9.7 to 94.0?6.4(t=-7.205,P=0.000) and subjective scores from 20.7?6.6 to 35.7?4.9(t=-5.003,P=0.000). Conclusions Ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome often occurs after ankle sprain along the anterolateral portion of the ankle.Common impingement tissues are synovium,ligament,scar tissue,and meniscoid tissue.Arthroscopic treatment of ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome is satisfactory.