The Incidence of Complications After Posterior Hindfoot Endoscopy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the incidence of complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy. METHODS: Ovid/Medline and Google Scholar were systematically searched for pertinent references to be included. In addition, we hand-searched common American and European orthopaedic and podiatric surgical journals for relevant articles. Articles considered for inclusion were published in peer-reviewed journals, described complications after posterior hindfoot endoscopy using a standard 2-portal technique, and involved 25 or more patients treated. RESULTS: We identified 335 potentially relevant publications, of which 5 met our inclusion criteria. A total of 452 ankles (452 patients) were included in this study. Overall, 17 complications (3.8%) occurred, with only 8 (1.8%) requiring additional treatment or operative intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach for the treatment of hindfoot and ankle pathology is safe with a low incidence of complications. However, additional studies with prospective designs should be undertaken to determine the long-term patient outcomes using validated scoring systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.