Tendoscopy

Abstract

Traditionally, extra-articular ankle pathology is treated with an open procedure. However, open ankle surgery has been associated with a relatively high rate of complications and a long recovery period. Improvement of tendoscopic techniques has made it possible to treat a broadening array of foot and ankle pathologies by means of tendoscopic procedures, with the advantage of a lower risk of complications and less postsurgical pain. Moreover, it provides less morbidity, improves cosmesis, shortens immobilization, and has lower costs compared to open techniques. Ever since the first description in 1997 by van Dijk et al., different tendoscopic techniques have been developed for both diagnosis and treatment of a variety of tendon pathologies. This chapter provides an overview of the anatomy, patient history, clinical examination, additional diagnostics, and surgical procedures of several pathologies of the peroneal tendons, posterior tibial tendon, flexor hallucis longus, and the Achilles tendon.