Objective:To study the therapeutic effect of inimally invasive arthroscopic treatment of anterolateral ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome patients.Methods:From September 2008 to July 2010

27 cases of anterolateral ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome were treated with arthroscopic debridement of plasma radio frequency knife.Results:Among the 27 cases

26 patients were followed up and 1 patient was lost.The average follow-up was 1.5 years.24 patients reported that ankle pain and swelling disappeared

with normal dorsiflexion plantar flexion activity

and the functions recovered to the level before injury.3 patients presented with mild limitation in ankle dorsiflexion activity

swelling and pain after the activity

and no ankle joint space narrowing.According to McGuire scoring system

preoperative and postoperative assessment was conducted

and the postoperative condition(90.6±11.9)points

compared with the preoperative condition(68.6±12.5)points

was significantly increased

which had statistical significance(t = 8.46

P <0.05).Good rate was 88.5% after operation

and there was no case of infection

neurovascular injury

or recurrence.Conclusion:Minimally invasive surgery using arthroscopy for anterolateral ankle soft tissue impingement syndrome is simple

safe

effective and less invasive with a quick recovery.