CURRENT TRENDS AND APPLICATIONS IN ANKLE ARTHROSCOPY - A CONCISED REVIEW

Ankle arthroscopy has emerged as a widely accepted and increasingly utilized technique in orthopaedic and sports medicine, owing to its effectiveness in diagnosing and treating broad spectrum of ankle pathologies. As a minimally invasive procedure, it offers distinct advantages over open surgery, including reduced soft tissue damage, shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, faster rehabilitation, and improved patient satisfaction. With the rising incidence of sports-related ankle injuries, particularly among younger and more active populations, ankle arthroscopy became popular among athletes, yet it is not without risk. Complications such as nerve injury, chondral damage, and issues related to improper portal placement remain concerns. These often arise due to the technical difficulty of navigating the ankle’s compact joint space and complex anatomical structures. As such, successful outcomes depend heavily on detailed anatomical knowledge, careful preoperative planning, and the use of precise, evidence-based surgical techniques. A thorough understanding of key anatomical landmarks and the implementation of safe zones during portal placement are vital in minimizing iatrogenic complications. Hence in this overview, we concisely reviewed the indications, contraindications, complications, current techniques, and evolving innovations in ankle arthroscopy, offering operational guidance for clinical practice and insights for future research.