Issue: 2026, Vol. 31, No. 1
RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTERIOR IMPINGEMENT OF THE ANKLE JOINT
- Keywords
- ankle joint, anterior impingement syndrome, risk factors
- Abstarct
- Anterior impingement is a common chronic condition of the ankle joint that leads to pain and limited dorsiflexion. Despite its significance, the literature does not provide a comprehensive understanding of risk factors, making it difficult to develop effective prevention strategies. The aim of this study is to identify risk factors for the development of anterior impingement ankle syndrome. Material and Methods. 260 patients with chronic pain in the anterior ankle joint were examined between 2013 and 2024. Possible risk factors included gender, body mass index (BMI), severity of previous injury, adequacy of treatment, and nature of physical activity. In statistical data processing, binary one-factor logistic regression was used for dichotomous (gender, adequacy of treatment, nature of physical activity) and categorical (BMI and severity of possible previous injury) factors. ROC curves were analyzed as well to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the factors. Results and Discussion. Most of the participants were middle-aged men. Only 32.3 % had first and seconddegree obesity, while almost half (46.2 %) were actively involved in sports or had a professional activity that put excessive stress on their ankle joints. 81.5 % of respondents had a history of acute trauma, and errors in treatment of these injuries were recorded in over half of the cases (55.4 %). Statistical analysis showed that the most significant risk factors of anterior impingement syndrome in the ankle joint were acute injury, chronic excessive stress on the joint from sports and/or work, and errors in treatment after acute injury. Conclusion. Statistically significant risk factors for the development of anterior impingement syndrome include inadequate treatment of acute ankle injuries, a history of joint damage, the severity of the injury, and chronic joint overload during sports and/or professional activities.
Quid est Veritas_1_ 2026-19-24