Anterieur enkelimpingement

The anterior ankle impingement syndrome is a common cause of chronic ankle pain in athletes. It is characterised by anterior ankle pain on (hyper) dorsiflexion. On examination there is recognisable pain on the anteromedial and/or anterolateral aspect of the ankle joint. A plain X-ray can disclose the cause of the impingement. In patients with anteromedial impingement the plain X-rays are often negative. An oblique view is recommended in these patients. Although some osteophytes can recur, at long-term follow-up arthroscopic excision of soft-tissue overgrowths and osteophytes is an effective way of treating anterior impingement of the ankle in patients who have no narrowing of the joint space. In patients with osteophytes secondary to arthritis (with joint space narrowing) arthroscopic intervention is still a good therapeutic option, especially as arthrodesis or prothesis are the only other therapeutic options.