ABSTRACT

Objectives:

We evaluated the results of the surgical method in the treatment of anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle.

Material and Methods:

Twelve patients(9 males,3 fema· les;mean age 32 years ;range 21 to 45 years) with anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle were treated by open surgery. The preoperative radiographies of the patients were evaluated according to Ogilgive-Harris' criteria. The time interval to return to sporting and daily activities were assessed.Follow-up radiographs were taken to evaluate the re· currence of the osteophytes.Mean Follow-up was 6 years (range 9 months to 8 years).

Results:

All patients showed improvement of Ogilgwe-Harris scores.Offive patients who played soccer ,three(%60) were capable of playing soccer at the same level again.Ankle dorsiflexion increased 10-20 degrees in all patients.Osteophytes recurred in three patients. One patient with narrowing of the joint space had a persistent ankle pain.

Conclusion:

Conservative methods are not satisfactory in the treatment of anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle.Surgery is very effective to resolve the symptoms. Open excision of the osteophytes should be performed especially for type 3 and type 4 patients.