Title: Intra-articular Fibrous Tissue Formation Following Ankle Fracture: The Significance of Arthroscopic Debridement of Fibrous Tissue
Authors: Kiyomi Utsugi, M.D., Hiroya Sakai, M.D., Ph.D., Hisatada Hiraoka, M.D., Motohisa Yashiki, M.D., and Hideyuki Mogi, M.D.
Source: Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 23, No 1 (January), 2007: pp 89-93
PODIATRIC RELEVANCE:
Trends show an increase of Podiatrists performing complex ankle surgery. Among the advances in pain reduction is the use of arthroscopic debridement of fibrous intra-articular tissue. The use of this technique to improve healing and pain reduction was the focus of the study outlined in this article. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement for pain reduction.
METHODS:
In this article, 33 patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures underwent arthroscopic examination and debridement of fibrous tissue approximately 12.5 months after implant removal. The authors utilized the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale, as well as their own functional evaluation, to evaluate clinical outcomes. Utilizing a 3-point scale, arthroscopic findings such as the degree of articular cartilage damage and the quantity of fibrous tissue were scored.
RESULTS:
Of patients with functional deterioration of the ankle joint before arthroscopy, 89% showed improved articular function after arthroscopic debridement of fibrous tissue.
COMMENTS:
The findings of this article strongly suggest that formation of fibrous tissue is a major cause of poor clinical outcomes. The authors further conclude that arthrofibrosis causes unfavorable outcomes, and that arthroscopic débridement of fibrous tissue is an effective means of improving articular function after ankle fractures have been surgically reduced.
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Disclaimer:
Scientific Abstract Monthly postings are submitted by podiatric surgical residents. The ideas presented are not the opinions of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), nor are they presented as facts. ACFAS presents this information without any warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused by the user's reliance on information obtained in these areas.