What Are The Indications For Arthroscopy?
A very common indication for ankle arthroscopy is osteochondral defects. One would commonly perform the procedure by curetting the area and using K-wires to drill the lesion to promote subchondral bleeding. Patients should be non-weightbearing for at least six to 10 weeks depending on the size of the lesion and one should consider using an external bone stimulator. Posterior and medial lesions are more difficult to access and a distractor may be necessary. Deeper lesions also tend to have a poorer prognosis. If the size of the osteochondral lesion is very large or if the injury has been long neglected, an ankle arthroscopy with debridement may fail. Clinical symptoms in addition to a follow-up MRI can determine the success of the surgery. In the past, one would not have considered a repeat ankle arthroscopy due to a perceived higher failure rate. However, certain studies indicate that a repeat arthroscopy may be beneficial.1 If the arthroscopy fails, an osteochondral allograft transpla
