THE FUNCTIONALLY UNSTABLE ANKLE AND IMPINGEMENT LESIONS

The functionally unstable ankle with giving way or with lack of confidence in the ankle, without major ligamentous laxity, is a common problem in sportsmen and women. The aim of this study was to record the arthroscopic findings in patients with ankle problems, a history of ankle injury, and continuing functional instability.We reviewed the findings of 90 consecutive ankle arthroscopies in patients suffering from ankle problems interfering with sport. All complained of a combination of pain on sporting activity (38%), a lack of trust in the ankle (30%), or the ankle letting them down when running or turning (22%).Results showed that isolated lesions identified at arthroscopy were uncommon (7%). 40% had synovitis, often associated with scarring or thickening around the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL). Anterior tibial osteophytes were found in 45% and chondral or osteochondral talar lesions were present in 53%. The majority (80%) also had a lesion in the inferior tibiofibular joint (ITFJ). The ITFJ le...