ARTHROSCOPIC EXCISION OF THE OS TRIGONUM - A NEW TECHNIQUE WITH PRELIMINARY CLINICAL-RESULTS

Open excision of a painful os trigonum can be associated with prolonge d recovery. An arthroscopic technique has been developed to decrease s carring, diminish surgical morbidity, and promote a faster recovery. E leven patients were retrospectively evaluated after removal of the os trigonum after a mean follow-up of 35 months. Small joint arthroscopy equipment was utilized in a supine position with a distraction device. Average patient scores improved on the AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot Scale fro m 45 to 86 points. All patients went home the same day, and no complic ations occurred during the procedure. All patients reached maximum rec overy level within the first 3 months after surgery. Arthroscopic exci sion of a painful os trigonum yields good results with minimal surgica l morbidity and shorter recovery time.