The distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibio-fibular ligament as a cause of anterolateral ankle impingement: results of arthroscopic resection

Abstract

We arthroscopically resected the impinged distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AIT-FL) in 21 patients (mean age 31 (11-68) years, 14 women) with chronic ankle pain after an ankle sprain. Clinical tests revealed moderate laxity in 2 and severe laxity in another 2, the remaining 17 ankles showing only mild laxity. During arthroscopy, an impinging distal fascicle of the AITFL was found in all cases. Following anterolateral synovectomy, the fascicle was excised. At the follow-up after mean 3 (2-4) years, good-to-excellent results were obtained in 17 patients. 19 patients were satisfied with the procedure and 17 patients returned to their previous level of activity. 2 patients who had mild laxity were graded as poor because of neuromas of the terminal branches of the superficial peroneal nerve. These patients became asymptomatic after an injection of steroids.