抄録
Since 1986 we have performed arthroscopy of the ankle. Selected patients have undergone operative procedures under arthroscopic technique. A total of 40 patients (14 males, 26 females), 41 joints were studied. The most common diagnosis was old lateral ligament injury of the ankle (14 patients), followed by degenerative joint disease of the ankle, fresh lateral ligament injury of the ankle and fracture of the talus and its cartilage. Tuberculous disease and PVS were definitively diagnosed by synovial biopsy performed during arthroscopy. Eighteen joints have undergone surgical procedure under arthroscopic technique.
The main procedures were partial synovectomy, curettage of the bone and cartilage, drilling and adhesiotomy. The mean post-operative follow up period was 2 years 6 months.
There was distinct improvement in pain. Walking ability and ADL also improved, but there was no appreciable improvement in range of motion. By carefully selecting the insertion site according to the region targeted for examination, arthroscopy was useful in patients requiring an accurate diagnosis and detailed understanding of the involved pathology. Although we have only performed limited surgical procedures under arthroscopic technique as of the present, the distinct improvement in pain post-operatively and the low degree of surgical stress make arthroscopic surgery of the ankle a very useful procedure for selected patients such as athletes who desire the minimal period for treatment.
