Double posteromedial portals for posterior ankle arthroscopy in supine position.

Abstract

Both posterior and anterior arthroscopy of the ankle may be indicated in the same patient. With the patient supine, it is possible to reach most intraarticular structures of the ankle through the standard anterior portals, but difficult to examine the posterior compartments and to perform hindfoot endoscopy. In most patients following the anterior procedure the patient is positioned prone to operate on the posterior compartment. We describe a two-portal posteromedial hindfoot procedure that allows the surgeon to reach both the posterior joint space and the extraarticular compartment of the hindfoot with the scope and instruments, regardless of diagnosis, with the patient supine. After arthroscopy on the anterior portion of the foot using standard anterior portals, the two posteromedial portals allow endoscopic inspection and management of abnormalities in this region without repositioning the patient and without any remarkable local complication. Level IV. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.