A lesion of the talar cartilage and subchondral bone that is caused by a single or multiple traumatic events can be termed as osteochondral ankle defects. This can lead to partial or complete detachment of the fragment. These defects can cause ankle pain that is associated with weight-bearing.
Symptoms
Usual symptoms or signs of osteochondral ankle defects could be as follows:
- Restricted range of motion
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Impaired function
- Catching
- Locking
- Treatment
The treatment for osteochondral lesions of the ankle can either be non-surgical or surgical, depending on the severity of the issue. The non-surgical treatment would include rest or cast immobilization, and surgical treatment would consist of the excision of the lesion, excision, and curettage, excision of bone marrow, placing bone grafts, antegrade drilling, retrograde drilling, fixation, osteochondral transplantation and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Osteochondral autograft transfer system focuses on replacement, and autologous chondrocyte implantation focuses on regenerating the hyaline cartilage.
Non-surgical - doctors suggest injections to treat osteochondral defects of the ankle. The injections would be platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid that will result in the pain to decrease, and this, in turn, can increase the functioning for at least six months. Stage 1,2, and 3 lesions have chances to develop into arthritis; hence, they need to be treated with non-surgical measures immediately. Doctors would recommend to attach a non-weight bearing cast for six weeks and gradually return to weight-bearing plus athletic activity.
Surgical - usually, a local osteochondral autograft is recommended to treat osteochondral defect of the ankle. Doctors would perform a physical examination, specialized X-rays, or MRI for the affected area. Osteochondral autografts are used as an alternative to allografts for treating osteochondral defects. This is a procedure that involves the transplantation of small plugs of healthy bone and hyaline cartilage from joint areas with less weight-bearing. Tiny holes are drilled through the lesion, and the plugs are inserted into these holes. This procedure can be performed for minor issues or damages. An injury that is detected at an early stage should be treated immediately.
Non-surgical - doctors suggest injections to treat osteochondral defects of the ankle. The injections would be platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid that will result in the pain to decrease, and this, in turn, can increase the functioning for at least six months. Stage 1,2, and 3 lesions have chances to develop into arthritis; hence, they need to be treated with non-surgical measures immediately. Doctors would recommend to attach a non-weight bearing cast for six weeks and gradually return to weight-bearing plus athletic activity.
Surgical - usually, a local osteochondral autograft is recommended to treat osteochondral defect of the ankle. Doctors would perform a physical examination, specialized X-rays, or MRI for the affected area. Osteochondral autografts are used as an alternative to allografts for treating osteochondral defects. This is a procedure that involves the transplantation of small plugs of healthy bone and hyaline cartilage from joint areas with less weight-bearing. Tiny holes are drilled through the lesion, and the plugs are inserted into these holes. This procedure can be performed for minor issues or damages. An injury that is detected at an early stage should be treated immediately.
At RathiMed Speciality Hospital, doctors can recommend and provide the appropriate treatment for issues or defects with the ankle.
Blog reviewed by: Dr.N.Ragunanthan
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Nice blog and it is very informative for me..
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Dr. Shailendra Patil is a consultant and good Orthopedic surgeon in Vashi.
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