Table 1.

Tips, Pearls, Pitfalls, Risks, Indications, and Contraindications

Tips	Pearls	Pitfalls	Risks	Indications	Contraindications
The external positioning arm should be applied before sterile draping on the ipsilateral side of the patient.	The need for reprocessing equipment is eliminated. The use of a single sterile dressing that is discarded after the procedure is all that is required.	Purchasing enough external fixation arms for both shoulder and ankle procedures	Too much traction placed by the surgeon can lead to neurovascular damage (very uncommon)	Anterior ankle arthroscopy	Any contraindication that would not allow either anterior, posterior, or subtalar ankle arthroscopy
The foot pedal for the arm should be positioned before draping.	The setup time and amount of equipment for ankle arthroscopy are reduced.			Posterior ankle arthroscopy
The external positioning arm should be removed from under the sterile drapes; then, its sterile dressing should be placed just before the procedure.	The technique allows for easy maneuverability of the leg or joint at any time during the procedure. It enables easy removal of the ankle strap and external positioning arm for films to be taken without interfering with the picture.			Subtalar joint arthroscopy
	The risk of neurovascular damage from the leg wall holder commonly used is decreased.			Other procedures in which traction of the ankle is needed