Management of Subchondral Lesions in the Foot and Ankle

Abstract

The treatment of subchondral lesions is an area with limited focus within the foot and ankle literature. The literature has shown an association between disruption of the subchondral bone plate and the formation of subchondral cysts. The primary causes of subchondral lesions are acute trauma, repetitive microtrauma, as well as idiopathic means. Evaluation of these injuries should be done carefully and often requires advanced imaging including MRI and computed tomography. Treatment does vary depending on the presentation of the subchondral lesion with or without the presence of an osteochondral lesion.

Keywords: Ankle arthroscopy; Bone marrow lesions; Calcium phosphate; Fragility fractures of the talus; Microfracture; Osteochondral lesions; Subchondral lesions; Talar lesions.