Anterior impingement of the ankle results from osteophyte formation on the anterior edge of the distal tibia. Classically, subsequent degeneration results in an osteophyte forming on the anterior neck of the talus. This results in limited dorsiflexion and impingement seen in the ankles of athletes. Recent clinical observation in high performance soccer players has revealed a previously unrecognized pattern of a localized divot forming in the talar neck in place of the osteophyte. This accepts the tibial osteophyte during dorsiflexion, which is therefore not limited in these patients.
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