To analyse the clinical results of open treatment of anterior impingement syndrome of the ankle and to determine if being athletics or nonathletics affects the result.

This study included 54 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery with an open modality. All had been diagnosed with anterior impingement syndrome and received conservative therapy for more than at least 3 months prior to surgery. Among them, 22 patients were high-level athletes. The patients were evaluated with a physical examination and simple radiograph. A bone scan or MRI were added if necessary. The patients were categorized into four groups according to the McDermott's grading system based on the lateral radiograph. Patients with McDermott's grade 4 change and with osteochondral lesions were excluded. The results of the Ogilvie-Harris score, a visual analogue scale of the patient satisfaction and the time to return to full activity were assessed.

The mean follow-up was 32 months, 82% of patients had good or excellent results. In general, the Ogilvie Harris score improved postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference between groups. There was no statistical significance between the athletics and non-athletics in terms of the improvement in the Ogilvie-Harris score. 91% of patients were satisfied in the final follow-up (more than 80% in the visual analogue scale). The mean time to return to full activity was 10.5 weeks with the athletes and 8.8 weeks with the nonathletes.

Open surgical treatment for anterior impingement syndrome may be an effective modality regardless of the patient being an athlete or non-athlete.