The arthroscopic management of frozen ankle.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combined anterior and posterior arthroscopic approach in the treatment of frozen ankle. Retrospective case series. Five patients with post-traumatic frozen ankle were evaluated. After an average follow-up of 32.6 months (range, 24 to 42 months), the average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle score was improved from 63.8 point (range, 55-74) to 88.6 point (range, 81-100). The average ankle dorsiflexion improved from 1 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 5 degrees) to 19 degrees (range, 15 degrees to 25 degrees). The average ankle plantarflexion improved from 16 degrees (range 10 degrees to 20 degrees) to 39 degrees (range, 30 degrees to 45 degrees). Combined posterior ankle endoscopy and anterior ankle arthroscopy is effective in the treatment of post-traumatic frozen ankle. Level 4.