Endoscopic treatment of hindfoot pathology.

The arthroscope has served the orthopaedic surgeon as a diagnostic and operative tool since 1931. Several reports on its use in the treatment of extra-articular injuries have been published over the past few years. The surgical approach to the posterior ankle region is associated with some complications stemming from the poor blood supply to this region that can lead to wound complications and the formation of painful scars that later cause irritation when shoes are worn. We describe our experience in treating 3 hindfoot pathologic conditions, chronic Achilles tendonitis, os trigonum syndrome, and Haglund's deformity, by using an endoscope as an alternative to open surgical techniques. All the patients underwent a 2-portal endoscopic procedure, they suffered no complications, and they resumed their daily and sports activities after 2 to 3 months. Our results with the endoscopic treatment of hindfoot and Achilles tendon injuries indicate it to be a good alternative to the surgical approach, and to have the added advantage of reducing postoperative morbidity.