Arthroscopic treatment in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the ankle

Purpose: This study was designed to review the outcomes of patients who have undergone arthroscopic treatment for mild to moderate ankle osteoarthritis and to determine the factors associated with unsuccessful outcomes. Methods: A total of 63 patients (mean age, 53.7 ± 16 years) with mild to moderate ankle osteoarthritis who underwent arthroscopic treatment were analysed. We investigated the possible correlations between the clinicopathologic features and clinical outcomes using the visual analogue scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score and analysed the data to clarify the effect of prognostic factors on clinical outcome. Results: Visual analogue scale and AOFAS scores were improved after surgery for up to 2 years (p < 0.0001). The largest improvements in clinical scores were observed after 6 months, and thereafter, they steadily declined. Body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.011) and presence of associated intra-articular lesions (p = 0.002) showed a significant correlation with the clinical outcome. There was no association between outcome and the patient's age, gender, duration of symptoms, type of osteoarthritis, treatment modality and coronal alignment (n.s.). Conclusion: Arthroscopic treatment for mild to moderate ankle osteoarthritis has a favourable outcome in selected patients. BMI and associated intra-articular lesion are significant risk factors for poor outcome. Level of evidence: Retrospective case series, Level IV.