Osteocartilaginous lesions of the talus in soccer players.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the results of arthroscopic debridement for talar lesions in a population of soccer players. PATIENTS Patients were sixteen soccer players with osteochondral talar lesions, treated surgically between 1999 and 2004. INTERVENTIONS: All patients were diagnosed clinically. Complementary imaging studies included X-ray, scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS At 3.56 years of follow up, patient status was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Ogilvie-Harris scale. The mean time to return to sports at the same level as that before the start of symptoms was evaluated. RESULTS: The Ogilvie-Harris score showed 81.75% excellent results and 18.25% good results. The VAS score was 0.26 (0-2.2). Among the total, 93.75% of patients resumed sports activities at the same level as that before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement of talar osteochondral lesions in soccer players provides excellent results. We consider this option the treatment of choice in this population.