ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of arthroscopy for ankle impingement syndrome. MethodsBetween March 2009 and April 2013, 30 patients with ankle impingement syndrome were treated. Among them, there were 22 males and 8 females with an average age of 28.6 years (range, 16-55 years). Twenty-six patients had a history of obvious ankle sprains. The disease duration was 6-62 months (mean, 21.5 months). All cases had ankle pain, limitation of activity, and positive results of ankle impact test. According to Meislin scoring criteria, 5 cases were rated as good, 8 cases as medium, and 17 cases as poor; the excellent and good rate was 16.7%. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 43.3±5.1. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.7±2.3. Preoperative X-ray film showed ankle loose bodies and hyperplasia osteophyte in 6 cases, and lateral malleolus old avulsion fracture in 4 cases. MRI showed soft tissue in the ankle joint in the 17 cases, and articular cartilage injury of tibiotalar joint and bone marrow edema in 7 cases. The location, degree, and organization of the impact were observed under arthroscopy. The joint debridement, removal of loose body and osteophyte, plasty of articular cartilage, and plasma radiofrequency ablation of lateral and medial ligaments were performed. ResultsAll incisions healed primarily. No infection of skin and joint, or neurological and vascular injury was found. All patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 19.5 months). According to Meislin scoring criteria at last follow-up, 16 cases were rated as excellent, 11 cases as good, and 3 cases as medium; the excellent and good rate was 90.0%, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative value (Z=6.045, P=0.000). AOFAS score was 89.8±4.3, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=38.180, P=0.000). VAS score was 2.8±1.6, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=7.624, P=0.000). ConclusionA clear understanding of impingement characteristics, pertinent joint debridement, and complication treatment are important to treat ankle impingement syndrome by simulating ankle impingement under arthroscopy, which have the advantages of strong pertinence, less injury, and fast recovery.