Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Nonsurgical treatments can be effective when osteochondral lesions are diagnosed early and the damage is limited. 

• Wearing a cast or brace can reduce stress on the ankle and promote healing. 
• Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the ankle and improves range of motion. It may be used instead of or in addition to surgery. 
• Steroid injections are sometimes used to reduce swelling and inflammation.

If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective or if your condition worsens, your doctor may recommend surgery to alleviate your pain and restore your mobility. 

• If the damage is minor, your surgeon may simply “clean up” the damaged cartilage and remove any loose pieces. Sometimes, holes are drilled into the bone to stimulate healing.
• If the damage is more extensive, your surgeon may use bone grafts from your own body or from a deceased donor to replace the injured cartilage and bone.

Ankle arthroscopy is often used for these types of procedures to repair the lesion and promote healing. It is a minimally invasive surgery that require smaller incisions and results in less pain and a quicker recovery. In ankle arthroscopy, a tiny camera and small tools are inserted into the joint through small cuts made in the skin. Your surgeon uses these tools to repair the damage.

Ankle arthroscopy is often an outpatient surgery, meaning you will go home the same day. Recovery time varies based on the severity of your cartilage damage. You may wear a cast or brace for a couple of weeks or months. Physical therapy after surgery will help improve your mobility and speed your recovery.