Posterior block of the ankle: the results of surgical treatment in dancers

Summary We report the results of surgical treatment in the management of posterior block of the ankle joint (the ‘os trigonum syndrome'). Thirty-nine patients (60 ankles), 30 female and nine male, between the ages of 12–48 years, underwent surgical excision of the impinging structure through a medial approach and were reviewed retrospectively on average 40 months postoperatively. All were either student or professional classical ballet dancers. The presenting features along with the surgical technique are described. Good to excellent results were obtained in 74% of cases overall. Although there was no correlation between duration of symptoms and eventual outcome, results were better if the surgery was performed before skeletal maturity. Surgery offers an effective solution to this often underdiagnosed problem, especially if performed early in a dancer's career.