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Ankle dorsiflexion arthroscopic technique with distraction at a surgeon's discretion is the current standard for ankle arthroscopy in most parts of the world. Reasons favoring the use of dorsiflexion during anterior ankle arthroscopy are based on the insertion of the anterior ankle joint capsule, which happens at a distance from the articular surfaces: this allows a large and safe anterior working area during dorsiflexion; ankle dorsiflexion also reduces the tension of anterior neurovascular structures and moves them away from the anterior aspect of the ankle, which protects them from damage during performance of the arthroscopic procedure; in addition, a lower rate of complications has been reported when dorsiflexion without distraction is being used for ankle arthroscopy. Nevertheless, intermittent ankle distraction can still be used during ankle arthroscopic procedures, but with just a few indications. In this infographic, authors explore and present the current indications for distraction in ankle arthroscopy as well as the broader indications for performing ankle dorsiflexion arthroscopic technique., (Copyright © 2019 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this non-randomized retrospective study was to investigate outcomes of minimally displaced, proximal 5MTB fractures, treated by a below-knee walking cast or a functional elasticated bandage with a support of a flat hard-soled shoe., Methods: A consecutive patient series was divided into two groups: the cast group (CG) and the functional group (FG). The subjects were radiologically and clinically evaluated according to Mehlhorn and Lawrence-Botte classification, and AOFAS Midfoot score, respectively., Results: 154 patients were followed up for a median of 15 months (range 12-24). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among the outcomes of each fracture pattern regarding the treatment choice. However, an earlier return to sports was noted in the FG, while Type-3 fractures achieved the worst results., Conclusion: Type-1 and 2 minimally displaced 5MTB proximal fractures can be successfully treated conservatively without weight-bearing restriction and without benefit of a cast with respect to a functional elasticated bandage., Level of Clinical Evidence: level III retrospective comparative study., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement The Authors declare that they have no conflict of interest related to the publication of this manuscript, and they have not received benefits or financial funds in support of this study.