Objective      To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of arthroscopy for anterior ankle impingement syndrome and evaluate the clinical efficacy.       Methods      Clinical data of 42 cases with anterior ankle impingement syndrome admitted in our institute from October 2006 to October 2013 were collected in this study. Arthroscopy was used to diagnose and treat surgically to the patients. There were 11 cases with osteal impingement and 31 cases with soft tissue impinge. The impingement and cartilage damages were observed through ankle arthroscopyvia anteromedial and anterolateral approaches. Arthroscopic intervention included removing osteophytes

debriding fabric scars and synovial membrane tissues and removing osteochondral fragments.      Results      Forty cases with complete clinical data were followed up for 12 to 31 months (mean 18 months). According to the evaluation of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score system

the score was increased from 60.3±7.2 preoperatively to 87.4±9.5 postoperatively (P0.05). There were 19 cases achieving excellent grade

16 cases good

and 5 cases moderate outcomes. The excellent and good rate was up to 87.5%. Among the 40 cases

there was no complication occurred

such as postoperative infection or others.       Conclusion      Arthroscopic surgery is an effective

repeatable

and safe approach in the treatment of anterior ankle impingement syndrome.