Surgical repair of osteochondral lesions of the talus using biologic inlay osteochondral reconstruction: Clinical outcomes after treatment using a medial malleolar osteotomy approach compared to an arthroscopically-assisted approach

Abstract

Background: Surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus affecting the medial aspect of the talar dome is typically performed using medial malleolar osteotomy to optimize access. This study compares clinical outcomes of lesions repaired using biologic inlay osteochondral reconstruction in patients who did or did not undergo medial malleolar osteotomy, depending on defect dimensions.

Methods: Patients treated for osteochonral lesions of the talus through a medial mallolar approach or arthroscopically-assisted approach were prospectively followed. Assessment tools consisted of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot score (AOFAS). The magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score was used postoperatively.

Results: Data for 24 patients (mean age 34years, mean follow-up 22 months) was analyzed. Mean preoperative/final AOFAS and VAS in those who underwent osteotomy were 57.7/81.2 and 5.7/1.9 (p<0.001), respectively. In those who underwent arthroscopically-assisted reconstruction, mean preoperative/final AOFAS and VAS were 54.4/84.0 and 7.6/2.0 (p<0.001), respectively. There was no difference in mean MOCART score (p=0.662) for those treated with osteotomy (67.3) compared to those without (70.8).

Conclusions: Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome can be treated successfully by biological inlay osteochondral reconstruction technique without medial malleolar osteotomy, with good to excellent clinical outcomes expected. MRI demonstrates good integration of the graft into surrounding tissue.

Keywords: Ankle arthroscopy; Cartilage repair; Medial malleolar osteotomy; Osteochondral lesion; Osteochondral reconstruction; Talar dome.