Tendoscopy of the posterior tibial tendon.

Abstract

Posteromedial ankle complaints are most often caused by a disorder of the posterior tibial tendon. Two predominant groups of patients can be distinguished: the first involves younger patients who have some form of systemic inflammatory disease; the second involves older patients whose dysfunction is caused by chronic overuse. This article illustrates endoscopy of the posterior tibial tendon in a group of patients who had diverse pathology. None of the patients showed postoperative complications. All showed a quick recovery, early mobilization, none or mild postoperative pain, and nice wound healing. Although not all patients were free of complaints, all were satisfied with the intervention itself. Tendoscopy of the poterior tibial tendon offers the advantage of less morbidity, reduction of the postoperative pain, early mobilization, no wound healing problems and outpatient treatment.