[Arthroscopic findings in the unstable upper ankle joint].

The purpose of this prospective study was the assessment of the chronic unstable ankle joint. With regard to cartilage and ligament lesions this was done arthroscopically. 99 consecutive arthroscopies were performed in patients with symptomatic chronic ankle instability. There were 67 complete ruptures of the anterior talofibular ligament and 45 complete ruptures of the calcaneofibular ligament. A complete rupture of the deltoid ligament was found in 6 cases, always combined with lesions of the lateral ligaments. Cartilage damage of the talus was noted in 51 cases and of the tibial pilon in 12 cases. While all complete lesions of the deltoid ligament were associated with talar cartilage damage, this was different for lateral ligament lesions. 11/22 ruptures of the talofibular ligament were associated with cartilage damage of the talus and 11/22 ruptures presented with an intact talar cartilage. Combined ruptures of the talofibular and the calcaneofibular ligament were associated with talar cartilage damage in 21 cases and presented with intact cartilage in 24 cases. This study demonstrated a near equal distribution of intact and damaged articular cartilage in the presence of lateral ligament lesions indicating that the status of the ligaments allows no conclusion with regard to the cartilage. Arthroscopy therefore can give essential information about the status of the unstable ankle joint concerning operative or conservative treatment.