ARTHROSCOPIC DEBRIDEMENT FOR THE OSTEOARTHRITIC ANKLE

We were able to review 27 out of 32 patients who had arthroscopic debr idement for osteoarthritis of the ankle. The patients had symptoms for an average of 4 years before the procedure. The average follow up was 45 months. Following arthroscopic debridement, 17 of the 27 patients showed improvement, although only 2 ankles were restored to normal fun ction. There was a statistically significant improvement in pain, swel ling, stiffness, Limp, and activity level. Changes in the feeling of i nstability failed to reach significance. Overall, there were 2 complic ations of numbness related to the anterolateral portal, but these reso lved. Arthroscopic debridement of the ankle can offer relief to approx imately two thirds of patients, but it is important to stress to patie nts that the degree of improvement is limited.