Unit of Foot and Ankle
Specialists in the study, diagnosis, and application of surgical techniques for foot surgery.
What is an osteochondral lesion?
Osteochondral lesions are joint injuries affecting part of the cartilage and subchondral bone (the bone beneath the cartilage) surrounded by healthy tissue. The ankle is frequently affected by these lesions, which can alter the normal functioning of the joint.
These injuries may be caused by trauma, chronic instability, alignment issues in the hindfoot (such as cavus foot or flat valgus foot), or insufficient blood supply to the bone during growth.
MRI of an osteochondritis dissecans lesion on the talus in an adolescent patient.
What symptoms do osteochondral lesions cause?
Although some patients with osteochondral lesions may not exhibit symptoms (asymptomatic patients), the most common symptoms include:
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Limited ankle mobility.
- Occasional joint locking.
How is it diagnosed?
The first step is to review the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. Next, imaging studies are requested, starting with a weight-bearing ankle X-ray. If an osteochondral lesion is suspected, an MRI or even a CT scan is performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
X-ray of an osteochondritis dissecans lesion on the talus in an adult patient.
What treatment is recommended?
What does surgery for osteochondral lesions involve?
At ICATPIE, the surgical technique we typically use for osteochondral lesions is arthroscopic surgery. The procedure involves making microfractures in the lesion to stimulate bleeding, which promotes tissue regeneration in the affected area.
For larger osteochondral lesions or those in areas difficult to access with arthroscopy, open or conventional surgery is performed.
