Ankle Impingement

Ankle impingement is characterized by painful loading and range of motion due to either soft tissue synovial scar tissue obstruction or osteophyte formation leading to impingement. This condition occurs anteriorly leading to painful dorsiflexion, as well as posteriorly leading to painful plantarflexion. Though this is often a clinical diagnosis, confirmation can be made on radiography and/or computed tomography (CT), when viewing osseous bodies, and on MRI when evaluating ligamentous integrity and soft tissue pathology. Initial conservative treatment should be pursued, beginning with rest, bracing, physical therapy, and local corticosteroid injections. If symptoms persist, arthroscopic debridement is the most appropriate surgical treatment for anterior and posterior impingement.