Introduction

Abstract

Arthroscopy of the ankle joint has become an important therapeutic procedure for treatment of chronic and posttraumatic problems. The best and safest approach is without routine joint distraction with the ankle placed in the dorsiflexed position. Most of the pathology like anterior impingement, synovitis, loose bodies, and ossicles are located in the anterior aspect of the joint. Most of the osteochondral defects can be brought into this anterior working area by means of plantar flexion. Posterior ankle pathology is treated by means of a two-portal hindfoot approach. Indications include posterior ankle impingement, posterior osteochondral defects, loose bodies, subtalar arthrodesis, and recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Pathology of the peroneal tendons, posterior tibial tendon, flexor hallucis longus, and the Achilles tendon can be treated by tendoscopy.The book is accompanied by a free accessible interactive website (www.ankleplatform.com) on which the operative techniques are shown in text, pictures, and videos, including weekly tips and tricks for each procedure. The interactive part concerns the possibility to submit cases to an international expert panel. I hope that reading this book will raise your interest for the ankle joint and will inspire you to apply the operative techniques as described.