Tibiotalar Anterior Impingement

Anterior ankle impingement is a common cause of pain in athletes who perform repetitive dorsiflexion movements. This condition is described by diffuse or located anteromedial or anterolateral ankle pain exacerbated by palpation, with or without restricted dorsiflexion. Based on clinical presentation, anterior ankle impingement can be divided into bone and soft tissue impingements. Anterolateral impingement is often due to soft tissue impingement, whereas anterior and anteromedial impingements are mostly due to bone impingement and often have direct relation to ankle instability. During the past 20 years, ankle arthroscopic surgery has developed as a safe and minimal invasive alternative to open surgery, enabling patients to recover in a shorter period of time and to start functional exercises within the first weeks after surgery. However, open surgery continues to be a reasonable alternative presenting very good results, but requiring longer rehabilitation time and, in some cases, a period of immobilization of the joint.