الفهرس 
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Abstract
Arthroscopy of the foot and ankle has many advantages over open surgical procedures. It allows direct visualization of intraarticular structures without extensive surgical approaches. It also allows for stress testing in cases of joint laxity and evaluation of the competency of the ligamentous structures surrounding the ankle.
The postoperative advantages of arthroscopy include decreased morbidity and patient discomfort, faster rehabilitation, earlier return to activities of daily living, and an earlier return to athletics.
Athletic injuries to the foot and ankle are common, and arthroscopy of the foot and ankle is particularly useful in the treatment of athletes. Arthroscopic surgery may reduce the recovery period following surgery in many conditions, and allows for an earlier return to sports.
In the athletic population, intra-articular pathology may be divided into soft tissue and bony lesions. According to Stetson and Ferkel, soft tissue lesions account for approximately 30-50% of ankle joint lesions. In the athlete, the most significant soft tissue lesions are synovitis, anterior soft tissue impingement, posterior soft tissue impingement, syndesmotic impingement and instability.
In general, conservative treatment is quite successful in decreasing synovitis in the ankle of an athlete. Prior to arthroscopic debridement when arthroscopic debridement is employed and partial synovectomy with lysis of adhesions, there is usually a dramatic improvement in the patient’s symptom complex.
For arthroscopic repair or reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments to treat chronic ankle instability Hawkins first described using a percutaneous staple to tighten the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) More recently(thermal capsulorrhaphy has been applied to lax ankle ligaments and capsules.
The syndesmosis consists of 3 ligaments: the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments and interosseous membrane. Approximately 20% of the syndesmotic ligament is intra-articular. The syndesmosis is occasionally involved in impingement lesions of the ankle. It should be noted that the intra-articular portion of the ligament can be excised without creating instability in the ankle joint.