ANGIOPLASTY BALLOON CATHETERS USED FOR DISTRACTION OF THE ANKLE JOINT

Arthroscopy of the ankle joint is now routinely performed in diagnosti c and therapeutic interventions but is still a demanding and difficult operative procedure in this very small and tight joint. Arthroscopy c an be facilitated by a sufficient distraction that gives a better over view of the joint space. However, it is still a matter of debate how t o obtain the adequate distraction. Distention by manual strength as we ll as by the help of a technical device have been proposed. We report our experience with distraction of the ankle joint by the help of one or two intraarticularily located and secondarily insufflated angioplas ty balloon catheters that are routinely used in interventional radiolo gy, These special catheters allow a careful and controlled distention of the joint with a fixed space of distraction and, according to our l imited experience, without any morbidity.