Abstract
Posterior ankle arthroscopy has traditionally been associated with concern for injury
to the posterior tibial nerve and vessels, and this concern is greatest when the patient
is positioned supine. Positioning the patient prone could be a safer method for posterior
ankle arthroscopy. The purpose of this cadaver study was to determine the anatomic
safe zone devoid of vital structures relative to the posteromedial and posterolateral
arthroscopic portals created. In addition, exposure of the posterior ankle was evaluated
by direct visualization and fluoroscopy to determine the relative utility of these
portals. Based on our findings, which are consistent with other previously reported
results, we believe that a wide range of ankle pathology can be suited to treatment
by means of posterior arthroscopy with the patient in the prone position.
Level of Clinical Evidence
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 24, 2012
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
