Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in accessibility of the talar
dome during ankle arthroscopy between noninvasive distraction and maximum plantar
flexion without distraction.
Methods
For this study, 20 matched pairs (n = 40) of anatomic ankle specimens were used. Two
groups (distraction or maximum plantar flexion) were defined. Through the use of chondral
picks, the accessibility of each technique was tested arthroscopically. Afterward,
the ankle joint was dissected and the reach achieved was measured and compared between
the 2 groups.
Results
Through noninvasive distraction, 13.1 ± 4.4 mm of the talar dome was reached laterally
and 16.7 ± 3.7 mm medially. Through plantar flexion, 18.1 ± 3.4 mm of the talar dome
was reached laterally and 18.1 ± 3.4 mm medially. Statistical comparison revealed
a significantly better reach in plantar flexion on the lateral side of the talar dome
(P = .007). There was no significant difference medially.
Conclusions
Plantar flexion significantly improves reachability of the dome on the lateral side
and it is equal to noninvasive distraction medially. Results of this study may allow
for better access to the lesion of the talus.
Clinical Relevance
Results of this study allow for a better planning of interventions in OCD of the talus.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 24, 2017
Accepted:
July 28,
2017
Received:
April 7,
2017
Footnotes
The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest in the authorship and publication of this article. Full ICMJE author disclosure forms are available for this article online, as supplementary material.
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Published by Elsevier on behalf of the Arthroscopy Association of North America
