Ankle arthroscopy.

Ankle arthroscopy is an increasingly useful technique for dealing with a wide range of ankle pathology. Improvements in technique and instrumentation are expanding the range of diagnostic and therapeutic indications for arthroscopy of the ankle. Indications include removal of loose bodies, debridement and drilling of osteochondral defects, relief of anterior tibiotalar impingement, lysis of adhesions and arthrodesis. Reconstruction of lateral ankle instability is currently investigational but may some day be a common procedure. A review of ankle arthroscopy, as well as the currently accepted indications, is presented with a brief review of the literature. The techniques for the most common indications are described. The complications and indications for referral are discussed.