A Technique for the Reduction of Complications Associated With Anterior Portal Placement During Ankle Arthroscopy Using a Peripheral Vein Illumination Device

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique for ankle joint treatment. However, injury to the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve (IDCN) and the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve (MDCN) is a common complication during anterior portal placement. To prevent injuries, methods such as palpating the nerves topographically and marking the nerves by transilluminating the skin with an arthroscope have been proposed. Easier and more definitive methods of identifying the IDCN and MDCN should result in a reduction of complications. Recently, a vein imaging system was developed that projects images of subcutaneous vasculature directly onto the skin with the use of near-infrared (NIR) light. Because anatomic studies have shown that superficial veins accompany the IDCN and MDCN, protecting the subcutaneous veins could lower the risk of nerve injury. We introduce our technique for the creation of an ankle arthroscopic portal using an NIR imaging system, which displays the vein image on the skin, to prevent injury to the superficial veins and, consequently, reduce IDCN and MDCN injuries. This is the first technical report on the prevention of vein and nerve injuries using an NIR imaging system. Our technique for avoiding vein injury using a peripheral vein illumination device during anterior portal placement in ankle arthroscopy could lower the risk of complications.