Complications in foot and ankle arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy of the foot and ankle has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the orthopaedic surgeon. A thorough knowledge of foot and ankle anatomy and intraarticular anatomy is critical to avoid complications in foot and ankle arthroscopy. Numerous complications can occur in foot and ankle arthroscopy, such as neurologic, tendon, and ligament injuries, wound complications, infections, and instrument breakage. The most common complication is neurologic injury. The overall complication rate is 9%. Most complications associated with foot and ankle arthroscopy are transient and tend to resolve within 6 months. The only complication that persisted at 10 years followup was a neurologic injury, specifically, numbness at the incision site. Because the difficulty of procedures has increased, so has the complication rate. Knowledge of the more common complications in foot and ankle arthroscopy and improved techniques and instruments may reduce the overall complication rate.

Fixation of the Chevron osteotomy utilizing absorbable polydioxanon pins.

The Chevron osteotomy has become popular for the treatment of hallux valgus deformity. Displacement of the osteotomy is a known complication. Many methods of internal fixation have previously been reported to prevent the displacement and each has inherent advantages and disadvantages. An alternative method of fixation, utilizing absorbable polydioxanon pins, is presented in this article. Between April 1989 and April 1990, 71 procedures were performed on 50 patients. At 1-year follow-up, there were no complications or infections. Review of the osteotomy after surgery and at 1 year revealed no fractures or displacements, and no pins required removal. Internal fixation utilizing absorbable polydioxanon pins appears to have significant benefits when compared with metallic fixation.