A literature review of the complications following anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy

Abstract

Introduction: There is a wealth of studies reporting the complications of anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. The aim of this study is to summarise and review the complication rate(s) associated with both anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy, as described in the literature.

Material and methods: The authors carried out a comprehensive review of the literature up until March 2018. An extensive search of the MEDLINE, Cochrane library and EMBASE databases was undertaken using the following keywords: complications of ankle arthroscopy, anterior ankle arthroscopy, and posterior ankle arthroscopy.

Results: A total of 107 papers were identified and 55 were deemed appropriate for analysis. The overall complication rate of ankle arthroscopy was found to be between 3.4- 9%.

Conclusions: No life threatening complications were identified in the literature with both anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. The commonest complication after anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy is superficial peroneal nerve injury and temporary Achilles tendon tightness, respectively.

Keywords: Anterior ankle arthroscopy; Complications; Posterior ankle arthroscopy.