2021 Annual Meeting Foot & Ankle Access Pass-Ankle Fracture Arthroscopy: Are WE Making A Difference

Ankle Fracture Arthroscopy: Are WE Making A Difference

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses the debated role of arthroscopy in acute ankle fractures, highlighting its potential to improve patient outcomes by allowing detailed assessment of joint stability, cartilage damage, and intra-articular pathology. Recent studies reveal high rates of osteochondral lesions and ligament instability in ankle fractures, which arthroscopy helps identify and treat. Though technology and techniques have advanced, definitive evidence showing arthroscopy's impact on long-term outcomes is limited. It may reduce inflammation and pain post-injury. A case of a professional athlete illustrates the complexity of such injuries and the potential for arthroscopy and cartilage repair to enable a return to play after severe ankle trauma.

Asset Caption

Dr. Norman Waldrop

Keywords

arthroscopy

acute ankle fractures

osteochondral lesions

ligament instability

cartilage repair