Editorial Commentary: Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond Shows Generally Favorable Results.

Osteochondral lesions of the ankle are common, but only a small proportion of these lesions are found on the tibial plafond (osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond, ie, OLTP). By and large, surgical treatment strategies for OLTP have been derived from techniques employed for those of the talus (ie, osteochondral lesion of the talus). Despite the clinical success of surgical treatments for osteochondral lesion of the talus, namely bone marrow stimulation, it is quite possible that OLTP may not respond similarly, given the unique anatomy and biomechanical properties of the tibia. To this end, the literature surrounding OLTP is relatively sparse, and studies evaluating the clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatments specific to OLTP are necessary. Still, if it works for the talus, it seems sensible that it could work for the plafond. Pending future research, there is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Ankle and Foot.

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) in the ankle are more common than OCLs of the foot, but both share a similar imaging appearance. Knowledge of the various imaging modalities, as well as available surgical techniques, is important for radiologists. We discuss radiographs, ultrasonography, computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate OCLs. In addition, various surgical techniques used to treat OCLs-debridement, retrograde drilling, microfracture, micronized cartilage-augmented microfracture, autografts, and allografts-are described with an emphasis on postoperative appearance following these techniques.

Concomitant Subchondral Bone Cysts Negatively Affect Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

PURPOSE: To study the effects of concomitant subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) on prognosis after arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) less than 100 mm2 and to further assess the correlation between cystic OLT area, depth, or volume and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with OLTs (<100 mm2) who received BMS between April 2017 and May 2020 with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Lesion area, depth, and volume were collected on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Karlsson-Peterson, Tegner, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-Activities of Daily Life and Sports scores were assessed before surgery and at the latest follow-up. Additionally, a general linear model (GLM) and a Pearson correlation analysis (PCA) were performed to investigate the effects of concomitant cysts on postoperative results. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients with a mean follow-up of 39.22 ± 12.53 months were divided into non-cyst (n = 45; 39.91 ± 13.03 months) and cyst (n = 37; 38.37 ± 12.02 months) groups. There was no significant difference in the OLT area between the non-cyst and cyst groups (46.98 ± 19.95 mm2 vs 56.08 ± 22.92 mm2; P = .093), but the cyst group showed significantly greater depth (6.06 ± 1.99 mm vs 3.96 ± 1.44 mm; P = .000) and volume (248.26 ± 156.81 mm3 vs 134.58 ± 89.68 mm3; P = .002). The non-cyst group showed significantly more improvement in VAS pain, Karlsson-Peterson, Tegner, and FAAM scores than the cyst group (P < .05). The GLM indicated that SBCs negatively affected VAS pain and Tegner scores (P < .05). For OLTs with cysts, the PCA showed that an area of 90.91 mm2, depth of 7.56 mm, and volume of 428.13 mm3 were potential cutoff values associated with poor outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant SBCs negatively affected the prognosis of OLTs after BMS. For OLTs with cysts, an area of 90.91 mm2, depth of 7.56 mm, and volume of 428.13 mm3 were the potential cutoff values associated with poor outcomes after BMS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Arthroscopic defect size measurement in osteochondral lesions of the talus underestimates the exact defect size and size measurement with arthro-MRI (MR-A) and high-resolution flat-panel CT-arthro imaging (FPCT-A).

PURPOSE: The size of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) is highly relevant for their treatment. In addition to intraoperative measurement of defect size, preoperative planning by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) is crucial. METHODS: Four defects of different sizes and depths were created on the talar joint surface in 14 cadaver feet. All defects were evaluated, both arthroscopically and via arthrotomy with a probe. Arthro-MRI (MR-A) and high-resolution flat-panel CT arthro scans (FPCT-A) were acquired. Length, width, and depth were measured for every defect and the defect volume was calculated. To determine the exact defect size, each talar defect was filled with plastic pellets to form a cast and the casts were scanned using FPCT to create a 3D multiplanar reconstruction data set. Finally, the surgically measured values were compared with the radiological values and the exact defect size. RESULTS: Overall, the surgically measured values (both arthroscopic and open) underestimated the exact defect size (p < 0.05). Arthroscopically determined defect length and width showed the largest deviation (p < 0.05) and underestimated the size in comparison with MR-A and FPCT-A. The FPCT-A measurements demonstrated higher correlation with both the arthroscopic and open surgical measurements than did the MR-A measurements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The exact defect size is underestimated on intraoperative measurement, in both arthroscopic and open approaches. Arthroscopic defect size measurement underestimates defect size in comparison with MR-A and FPCT-A. FPCT-A was shown to be a reliable imaging technique that allows free image reconstruction in every plane and could be considered as the new reference standard for preoperative evaluation of defect size in OLT.

Favourable clinical, arthroscopic and radiographic outcomes after autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation for massive medial cystic osteochondral defects of the talus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, arthroscopic and radiological outcomes of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation for massive cystic osteochondral defects of the talus. METHODS: Cases of autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation for medial massive cystic defects of the talus between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed. The visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Ankle Activity Scale (AAS) were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Tissue (MOCART) system and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score were evaluated after surgery. The ability to return to daily activity and sport, as well as complications, were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were available for follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 60.1 ± 11.7 months. All subscales of preoperative FAOS had significant (P < 0.001) improvement at the final follow-up. The mean AOFAS and VAS scores significantly (P < 0.001) improved from 52.4 ± 12.4 preoperatively to 90.9 ± 5.2 at the last follow-up and from 7.9 ± 0.8 to 1.5 ± 0.9, respectively. The mean AAS decreased from 6.0 ± 1.4 preinjury to 1.4 ± 0.9 postinjury and then increased to 4.6 ± 1.4 at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). All 21 patients resumed daily activities after a mean of 3.1 ± 1.0 months. Fifteen patients (71.4%) returned to sports after a mean of 12.9 ± 4.1 months. All patients underwent follow-up MRI with a mean MOCART score of 68.6 ± 5.9. Eleven patients underwent second-look arthroscopy, and the average ICRS was 9.4 ± 0.8. No donor site morbidity was found in any patient during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation provided favourable clinical, arthroscopic and radiographic outcomes in patients with massive cystic osteochondral defects of the talus during a minimum 3-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Non-operative management for osteochondral lesions of the talus: a systematic review of treatment modalities, clinical- and radiological outcomes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the overall clinical success rate of non-operative management for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed (MEDLINE), COCHRANE and EMBASE (Ovid) databases. Clinical success rates per separate study were calculated at the latest moment of follow-up and were defined as successful when a good or excellent clinical result at follow-up was reported in a qualitative manner or when a post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at or above 80 was reached. When clinical outcomes were based on other clinical scoring systems, outcomes reported as good or excellent were considered as clinical success. Studies methodologically eligible for a simplified pooling method were combined to calculate an overall pooled clinical success rate. Radiological changes over the course of conservative treatment were assessed either considering local OLT changes and/or overall ankle joint changes. RESULTS: Thirty articles were included, including an overall of 868 patients. The median follow-up of the included studies was 37 months (range: 3-288 months). A simplified pooling method was possible among 16 studies and yielded an overall pooled clinical success rate of 45% (95% CI 40-50%). As assessed with plain radiographs, progression of ankle joint osteoarthritis was observed in of 9% (95% CI 6-14%) of the patients. As assessed through a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, focal OLT deterioration was observed in 11% (95% CI 7-18%) of the patients. As assessed with a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, focal OLT deterioration was observed in 12% (95% CI 6-24%) of the patients. An unchanged lesion was detected on plain radiographs in 53% (48/91; CI 43-63%), 76% (99/131; 95% CI 68-82%) on a CT scan and on MRI in 84% (42/50; 95% CI 71-92%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: The current literature on non-operative management of OLTs is scarce and heterogeneous on indication and type of treatment. Promising clinical results are presented but need to interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity in indication, duration and type of treatment. Further studies need to focus on specific types on conservative management, indications and its results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, Level IV.

Synthetic bone grafting with preserved cartilage flap via a medial malleolus osteotomy approach to treat osteochondral lesion of the talus: technical note and preliminary clinical results.

PURPOSE: Although various surgical procedures are available for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), there is still no consensus on its best treatment. The purposes of this study were to describe a new surgical technique to treat OLT and to analyze its preliminary clinical results. METHODS: Eight patients were enrolled in this retrospective study between March 2019 and May 2022 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. All patients were treated by synthetic bone grafting with preserved cartilage flap via a medial malleolus osteotomy approach. The patients' characteristics, operative time, and estimated blood loss were evaluated. Intraoperative photos, preoperative and postoperative X-ray and MRI imaging were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and visual analog scale (VAS) score were also recorded before surgery and at each follow-up. RESULTS: At six months after the operation, all patients showed bone ingrowth and remodeling according to X-ray and MRI. No obvious defects or ladder was found on the cartilage surface of all patients according to MRI. The AOFAS score improved from 61.63 ± 8.85 (range, 49-74) to 91.13 ± 4.49 (range, 83-97) (p < 0.001) and VAS score improved from 5.50 ± 1.60 (range, 4-8) before surgery to 1.88 ± 0.83 (range, 1-3) (p < 0.001) at latest follow-up. In all eight patients, no wound infection, skin necrosis, or delayed healing of osteotomy was found. CONCLUSION: We proposed a simple and effective technique that restored the shape of the cartilage surface by preserving the cartilage flap and restoring the natural congruency of the subchondral bone by synthetic bone grafting. We found satisfying clinical outcomes in short-term follow-up. Our new technique might be a new surgical option for the treatment of OLT and its effectiveness should be further evaluated.

Patient specific, synthetic, partial unipolar resurfacing of a large talar osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the application and early outcome of a custom-made unipolar partial tarsal replacement in a dog with an extensive medial talar ridge OCD. ANIMAL: A 7-month-old, 25 kg male Rhodesian Ridgeback with progressive left hindlimb lameness (grade III-IV/IV) and diagnosis of talar OCD. METHODS: The dog presented with progressive lameness attributed to extensive medial talar ridge OCD. Due to the severity of the lesion, a resurfacing procedure was chosen. Based on CT data, a bi-layered resurfacing implant consisting of a titanium socket and a polycarbonate urethane bearing surface was constructed. For intraoperative guidance, a set of matching drill guides were 3D-printed, along with some models of the affected talus, to allow for dry-lab training. Surgical implantation using a medial malleolar osteotomy to approach the lesion was without complications. Orthopedic follow-up examinations were conducted at 10 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Radiographic examinations were included at the 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: Function improved considerably during the follow-up period with a lameness grade of 0-I/IV at the 12-month follow-up. ROM differed by 15° in flexion compared to the contralateral side, while there was no difference in extension. Moderate periarticular fibrosis was present at 12 months. Implant positioning was unchanged at follow-up-radiographic examination and there was only mild progression of osteoarthritis (OA). CONCLUSION: Patient specific instrumentation - guided tarsal OCD resurfacing with a synthetic patient-specific implant may be an effective treatment option.

Isolated fracture of the talus with asymptomatic contralateral talar fissure in two dogs.

CASE HISTORY: Two adult male dogs were separately presented for acute-onset, severe hind limb lameness isolated to the tarsus. There were no prior orthopaedic concerns and there was no significant trauma associated with the onset of lameness in either case. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Pain and effusion of the affected tarsus were found in both cases. Lameness was not responsive to oral analgesia. Radiography was insufficient to fully determine the extent of the damage in the tarsus; the fracture was visible in one case only. CT imaging demonstrated an isolated, lateral, trochlear ridge talar fracture in both cases and contralateral talar abnormalities of comparable location and direction to the fracture. DIAGNOSIS: Isolated lateral trochlear ridge fracture of the talus without significant trauma or concurrent injury. Abnormalities of talus of the contralateral limb were demonstrated on CT imaging. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A previously unrecognised pathological process may affect the talus of adult dogs that could predispose them to develop fracture of the lateral talar ridge without significant trauma. Further investigations are required to determine the prevalence and risk of fracture associated with this abnormality.Abbreviations: HIF: Humeral intercondylar fissure.

Multilayered biomimetic scaffolds for cartilage repair of the talus. A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present review was to analyze the available evidence in the literature on the clinical and radiological outcomes of multilayered biomimetic scaffolds in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). DESIGN: A systematic search was performed in three databases to identify clinical trials, where the multilayered biomimetic scaffolds were used for the treatment of OLTs. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Qualitative analysis of the relevant data of the included studies was executed. The methodological quality of the analyzed studies was assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). RESULTS: A total of 10 studies with 87 patients were included in the analysis. Only three multilayered biomimetic scaffolds have been investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of OLTs. The worst clinical and radiological outcomes, as well as safety profile were observed for the TruFit scaffold (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA, USA), which had already been withdrawn from the market. The other two scaffolds (MaioRegen, Finceramica, Italy; Agili-C, Cartiheal, Israel) performed significantly better in the majority of the reviewed studies, especially in the clinical aspect. The radiological findings, the improvements of MOCART scores, the completeness of lesions' fill, and the structure of regenerated tissue were much more inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Two of the multilayered biomimetic scaffolds demonstrated an adequate potential in the treatment of complex OLTs. However, limited studies availability and their low level of medical evidence request further high-level investigations before the clinical decision making for such scaffolds in the treatment of OLTs can be defined.

Retrograde drilling for ankle joint osteochondral lesions: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Extensive literature exists about the treatment of ankle osteochondral lesions, but there is no specific review of retrograde drilling, despite its common application. Indications for retrograde drilling are still few and are far from clear, and some evolutions of the technique have recently occurred. The aim of this review is to provide an update on actual applications and techniques of retrograde drilling for ankle osteochondral lesions. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched in June 2023. The search string focused on studies related to retrograde drilling in the treatment of ankle osteochondral lesions. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles for a total of 271 ankles were included in this review. The mean length of the treated lesions was 11.4 mm. Different navigation systems were used, with fluoroscopy the most commonly used. Various adjuvants were employed after drilling, with bone graft the most commonly applied. In most cases, postoperative patient satisfaction and symptom relief were reported, and no complications occurred. Retrograde drilling was found to be suitable for the treatment of subchondral cysts with intact cartilage or small lesions. Some modifications to the original technique may allow surgical indications to be extended to more complex cases. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-term results of retrograde drilling showed postoperative satisfaction and symptom relief with both original and modified techniques. Additional research is required to investigate the long-term results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (id number: CRD42022371128).

CLINICAL AND IMAGING ASPECTS OF TALAR OSTEOCHONDRITIS: A CASE REPORT FROM GUINEA.

Osteochondral lesions of the dome of the talus are becoming an increasingly frequent problem in sports traumatology, and questioning is a major element in the diagnostic orientation, as these are usually young, athletic patients. The main part of the diagnosis is based on complementary imaging examinations. We report the clinical observation of an adult patient, an athlete, referred to a rheumatology consultation for chronic pain of the right ankle with a mechanical appearance and difficulty in walking. Clinical and paraclinical examinations (standard X-ray, CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging) finally led to the conclusion of an osteochondritis of the talus.

Talar Dome Osteochondral Lesions: Pre- and Postoperative Imaging.

We suggest a similar approach to evaluating osteochondral lesions of the talar dome both pre- and postoperatively. This review addresses the etiology, natural history, and treatment of talar dome osteochondral lesions with an emphasis on imaging appearances. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, ideally combining a small field-of-view surface coil with ankle traction, optimizes visibility of most of the clinically relevant features both pre- and postoperatively.

Limited evidence of adjuvant biologics with bone marrow stimulation for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the complication rates, continuous functional outcome scores, and return to play data following bone marrow stimulation (BMS) versus biologics ± BMS for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT). METHODS: A systematic review was performed. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using specific search terms and eligibility criteria according to the PRISMA guidelines. The level of evidence was assessed using published criteria by The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, and the quality of evidence using the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables as frequencies (percentages). RESULTS: BMS versus BMS + hyaluronic acid (HA): no complications in either treatment arm were reported. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 43.5 to 67.3 points and 44.0 to 72.4 points, respectively. The mean 10 mm Visual Analogue Scale pain score was 7.7 to 3.8 points and 7.5 to 2.5 points, respectively. BMS versus BMS + concentrated bone marrow aspirate (CBMA): the pooled overall complication rate was 17/64 (26.6%) versus 11/71 (15.5%), respectively (non-significant). The pool revision rate was 15/64 (23.4%) versus 6/71 (8.5%), respectively (p = 0.016). There has been a notable poor reporting of complication rates for the use of ADSC and PRP as adjuvant biological therapies to BMS for the treatment of OLT. CONCLUSION: There was an overall limited comparative clinical evidence of adjuvant biologics with BMS versus BMS alone for the treatment of OLT. BMS + HA and BMS + CBMA can provide superior outcomes, albeit the currently limited evidence. Further studies are warranted to establish the true clinical superiority of the various biologics ± BMS versus BMS alone. These studies must also compare the various biologics against one another to determine, if any, the optimal biologic for OLT. Clinicians should counsel patients accordingly on these findings as required. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Outcomes of bone marrow aspirate concentrate and matrix-induced chondrogenesis (BMIC) for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the outcomes of Bone marrow aspirate concentrate and Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (BMIC) in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OLTs). METHODS: Patients with OLTs treated with BMIC from June 2013 to July 2020 were included. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) before treatment and at last follow-up were subjected to analysis. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were included and mean follow-up was 39.1 months (range, 13-97 months). Mean lesion size and depth were 180.7 ± 110.4 mm2 and 9.6 ± 3.7 mm, respectively. BMIC was performed without malleolar osteotomy in 36 patients (80%) and bone graft was performed in 42 (93.3%). VAS, FFI, and FAOS improved significantly. No complication occurred and no revision was required. CONCLUSIONS: The BMIC procedure is feasible and should be considered a viable treatment option for OLTs associated with large subchondral bone defects.

A prospective, single-center study following operative treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: (1) To evaluate patient-reported outcomes and revision surgeries after various operative interventions for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) in a prospective single center series over 10 years, and (2) to identify predicting factors related to subjective ankle status and quality of life pre- and postoperatively. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients underwent operative treatment due to primary or recurrent OLT, with an average follow up 3.5 (1.8) years. Treatment outcome was followed clinically (FAOS, EQ-5D, Tegner activity scale) and by pursuing any serious adverse events or graft failures. RESULTS: There were 80 responding patients (81%) for the study. The mean lesion size was 2.0 (1.1) cm2. All FAOS values increased from preoperative to final follow-up values (Symptoms 60-68, Pain 58-69, ADL 71-80, Sport 36-54, QoL 30-45). EQ-5D increased from 0.49 to 0.62, while Tegner activity scale change from 3.2 to 3.4. There were 19 (24%) serious adverse events recorded; 13 (16%) of them were graft-related. Graft survival rates were 100% at 1 year, 94% (males)/93% (females) at 2 years, and 77% (males)/47% (females) at 5 years. Female gender, higher BMI, and higher Kellgren-Lawrence ankle OA score were negative predictors for preoperative patient-reported ankle joint status. The foremost improvement after operative intervention was observed in patients with large osteochondral lesions without postoperative adverse events. CONCLUSION: Various operative interventions for OLT significantly improved patients' ankle status and quality of life. High graft survival rates were demonstrated over first two years, but notable decline was confirmed thereafter, especially in female patients.

Evaluation of the new defined EFAS score (European foot and ankle society score) in relation to already established functional scores (FFI, MOXFQ) after cartilage reconstructive therapy (AMIC®) for osteochondral lesion of the talus.

BACKGROUND: In 2011, the European Foot and Ankle Society developed a Score (EFAS Score) to generate a standardized questionnaire for several European languages. The aim of this study is to analyse how the newly defined score correlates with already established function scores. METHODS: This study is a monocentric prospective study. The questionnaires were completed at least 12 months postoperatively at the same time point. All patients had undergone surgery with the Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis® procedure for osteochondral lesions of the talus. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients (33 women, 36 men) participated in the study. The EFAS Score correlates very strongly with the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and strongly with the Foot Function Index (FFI). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the EFAS Score correlates significantly with the FFI and the MOXFQ. The EFAS seems to be a more patient-friendly alternative due to fewer questions and response choices.

Vascularized osteochondral free flaps from the femoral trochlea as versatile procedure for reconstruction of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are defects affecting the articular cartilage as well as the subchondral bone, on the lateral shoulder possibly associated with trauma. This study presents the results of reconstructing OLT using vascularized osteochondral flaps from the femoral trochlea. METHODS: We treated 19 patients with osteochondral talar shoulder defects, using osteochondral flaps from the medial (MFT) or lateral (LFT) femoral trochlea. Functional outcome was evaluated by clinical investigation, visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-10), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society-Ankle and Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS, 0-100) and The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI, 0-104). Radiographic postoperative follow-up was done by anterior-posterior and lateral X-rays and union of the transferred osteochondral flaps was documented by CT scans. RESULTS: The osteochondral flaps fused in all of the 19 cases. After a median follow-up of 45.5 months, the patients showed an average FADI of 94.9 and AOFAS-Ankle and Hindfoot Scale of 91.2. All of them were walking free and normal. Subjective median satisfaction was 1.3 in a scale from 1 to 5. CONCLUSION: Vascularized transfer of osteochondral flaps from the femoral trochlea is a reliable treatment option for symptomatic OLT of the medial and lateral talar edge. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Lesion Size May Predict Return to Play in Young Elite Athletes Undergoing Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and sports-related outcomes of arthroscopic microfracture (MFx) for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) in elite athletes. METHODS: The athletes who underwent arthroscopic MFx for OLTs at our institution between January 2011 and September 2015 with minimum 2 years of follow-up were reviewed. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, and visual analog scale pain score, time and rate of "return-to-competition" (RTC, return to an official match for at least 1 minute after treatment), and rate of "return-to-play" (RTP, participation in at least 2 entire seasons after treatment) were used to evaluate the outcomes. We compared athletes who were able to RTP with those who were not. RESULTS: In total, 41 patients (mean age 19.34 ± 3.76 years) were included. The mean follow-up was 54.9 ± 13.72 months. In total, 36 patients had medial lesions, and 5 patients had lateral lesions. All subscales of preoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Score were significantly improved at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score of 74.46 ± 8.10 improved to 91.62 ± 2.99 (P < .001) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score of 5.44 ± 1.57 improved to 2.66 ± 1.04 (P < .001). All patients achieved RTC (100%) at mean time of 5.45 ± 3.18 months, and 74.4% of patients were able to RTP. The RTP-group showed significantly smaller lesions compared to the No-RTP group (71.52 ± 43.29 vs 107.00 ± 45.28 mm2, P = .009). The cut-off OLT size for predicting RTP was 84.0 mm2, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 75.9%. CONCLUSIONS: All athletes were able to RTC at average of 5.45 months after MFx for OLTs with minimal subchondral involvement, and 74.4% were able to RTP. The only prognostic variable for RTP was lesion size, and its predictive cut-off was 84.0 mm2. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case series.

Maximum Ankle Plantarflexion and Dorsiflexion Allow for Optimal Arthroscopic Access to the Talar Dome: An Anatomic 3-Dimensional Radiography Study.

PURPOSE: (1) to improve the comprehension of the topographical position of the talar dome beneath the inferior articular surface of the tibia and, (2) to illustrate the changes of possible access to the articular surface of the talar dome during arthroscopic treatment of talar osteochondral defects in an anatomical model. METHODS: Twenty matched pairs (n = 40) of anatomical ankle specimen were used. All specimens were mounted in a standardized fashion, 3-dimensional radiography was performed in 4 defined positions (maximum dorsiflexion, neutral position, noninvasive distraction, and maximum plantarflexion). All radiographs were analyzed and statistically compared. RESULTS: Anterior accessibility was highest in maximum plantarflexion (medial: 49.20 ± 9.86%, lateral: 48.19 ± 8.85%), followed by non-invasive distraction (medial: 33.60 ± 7.96%, lateral: 31.98 ± 8.30%). Neutral position (medial: 19.34 ± 6.90%, lateral: 17.54 ± 6.63%) and dorsiflexion (medial: 15.36 ± 5.03%, lateral: 13.88 ± 4.33%) were not able to significantly increase accessibility. Posterior accessibility was greatest in maximum dorsiflexion (medial: 56.69 ± 9.65%, lateral: 46.82 ± 8.36%), followed by neutral position of the ankle joint (medial: 40.95 ± 8.28%, lateral: 31.06 ± 6.92%). Noninvasive distraction (medial: 31.41 ± 8.18%, lateral: 22.99 ± 7.63%) was still significantly better than plantarflexion (medial: 14.54 ± 5.10%, lateral: 13.89 ± 3.14%) and slightly increased accessibility to the talar dome. Medially, a central area of 5.89 ± 9.76% was accessible by maximum plantarflexion and maximum dorsiflexion from anterior and posterior, respectively, laterally a central blind spot of 4.99 ± 8.61% was detected. CONCLUSIONS: From an anatomical point of view, maximum joint positions of the ankle (i.e., plantarflexion and dorsiflexion) allow for better access to the talar dome in anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy. Noninvasive distraction may increase accessibility in anterior approaches, but has no benefit from posterior. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides insight into the morphology of the ankle joint in a standardized laboratory setup and illustrates the influence of different surgically relevant ankle joint positions. The presented data allow for better preoperative planning for the arthroscopic treatment of talar osteochondral defects.