Posterior ankle impingement in dancers and athletes

Abstract

The diagnosis of posterior ankle impingement requires an accurate history and specific examination. Computed tomography is a useful investigation to diagnose bony impingement, especially where plain radiography and/or magnetic resonance imaging are sometimes inconclusive. Accurate ultrasound-guided steroid/anesthetic injections are useful interventions to locate the symptomatic lesions and reduce symptoms and occasionally prove curative. If surgical debridement or excision is deemed necessary, arthroscopic surgery via a posterior approach is recommended to excise impingement lesions with a quicker return to sport expected and minimal complications. Open surgical excision, however, remains a viable treatment option.