The distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament as a cause of anterolateral ankle impingement - Results of arthroscopic resection

We arthroscopically resected the impinged distal fascicle of the anterior i nferior tibiofibular ligament: (AIT-FL) in 21 patients (mean age 31 (11-88) years, 14 women) with chronic ankle pain after an ankle sprain. Clinical t ests revealed moderate laxity in 2 and severe laxity in another 2, the rema ining 17 ankles showing only mild laxity. During arthroscopy, an impinging distal fascicle of the AITFL was found in all cases. Following anterolatera l synovectomy, the fascicle was excised. At the follow-up after mean 3 (2-4 ) years, good-to-excellent results were obtained in 17 patients. 19 patient s were satisfied with the procedure and 17 patients returned to their previ ous level of activity. 2 patients who had mild laxity were graded as poor b ecause of neuromas of the terminal branches of the superficial peroneal ner ve. These patients became asymptomatic after an injection of steroids.