Current Status of Tendoscopy Around the Ankle: Is Tendoscopy Still a Reality or a Thing from the Past?

Abstract

Tendoscopy dates to the 1990s and has evolved in indications, technology, approaches, and utilization. However, despite the evolution of this technique, we still lack conclusive data on its performance compared to open surgery. This article highlights the technical points of tendoscopy around the foot and ankle, patient outcomes, pearls, and pitfalls. We discuss the biases inherent to directly comparing tendoscopic versus open and conclude that it is safe, can be effective, and would be supported in the available literature to have comparable results when applied for the same indication with perceived benefits including wound healing and return to functional activity.