Management of Ankle Osteochondral Lesions: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 16:56, 1 August 2022

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Definition[edit | edit source]

Osteochondral lesions (OCL) are defects affecting the structure of the cartilaginous surface and underlying subchondral bone. [1]The etiology of the lesion can be:[1]

  • traumatic (most cases)
  • joint malalignments
  • instability
  • genetic predisposition
  • endocrine factors
  • avascular necrosis

There are three types of trauma leading to development of OCL: compaction, shearing or avulsion.

Osteochondral Lesion of the Ankle[edit | edit source]

According to Ferkel et al[2] a high percentage of patients with lateral ankle instability developed intra-articular pathology. In the ankle joint, the osteochondral lesion can be found in the talar. The osteochondral lesion of the talar cartilage (OCT) and subchondral bone can cause a partial or complete detachment of the fragment. There are six categories of the lesion:

  • chondral (cartilage only)
  • chondral-subchondral (cartilage and bone)
  • subchondral (intact overlying cartilage)
  • cystic

In addition to the above categories of the lesion, OCT can be stable or unstable, non-displaced or displaced. Patient will report deep ankle pain associated with weightbearing, restricted range of motion, impaired function,stiffness, catching, locking and swelling. [3]

Classification System for OCT[edit | edit source]

  • Berndt and Harty[4] classification system for radiographic staging of osteochondral lesions of the talus. It applies to traumatic and non-traumatic aetiology of the lesion:[3]
    • Stage I: with the foot in inverted position, the lateral border is compressed against the face of the fibula, the collateral ligament remains intact.
    • Stage II: with progressive foot inversion, lateral ligament is ruptured and the avulsion of the chip begins
    • Stage III: the chip is fully detached but remains in place
    • Stage IV: detached chip is displaced following inversion
  • Loomer et al[5] added a stage V to Berndt and Harty classification system:[3]
    • Stage I -IV as above
    • Stage V: presence of a subchondral cyst.
  • Ferkel and Sgaglione [6] developed a classification system based on computed tomography (CT)
    • Stage I: Cystic lesion with dome of talus (intact roof)
    • Stage IIa:Cystic lesion with communication to talar dome surface
    • Stage IIb: Open articular surface lesion with overlying undisplaced fragment
    • Stage III: Undisplaced lesion with lucency
    • Stage IV: Displaced fragment[7]
  • Hepple et al[8] developed a classification system based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)[7]
MRI classification of OCL. Adapted from AA, Sesin C, Rosselli M. Osteochondral defects of the talus with a focus on platelet-rich plasma as a potential treatment option: a review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Feb 1;4(1):e000318.


Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patient with OCL will report deep ankle pain associated with weightbearing, restricted range of motion, impaired function,stiffness, catching, locking and swelling. [3]

Diagnostic Procedures[edit | edit source]

add text here relating to diagnostic tests for the condition

Outcome Measures[edit | edit source]

add links to outcome measures here (see Outcome Measures Database)

Intervention[edit | edit source]

General principles in rehabilitation management[edit | edit source]

  • Lack of high quality evidence
  • Follow biological phases of healing

Special Concerns[edit | edit source]

In the management of the osteochondral lesions the following rehabilitation considerations must apply:

  1. Avoid shear forces
  2. Avoid comprehensive forces
  3. Recovery is slow
  4. Monitor pain
  5. Watch for development of the compensatory movements

Shear forces[edit | edit source]

Shear forces are to be avoided over 3 months shear focus often underlying cause for OCL in Chronic Ankle Instability

Compressive forces[edit | edit source]

Fibre cartilage is not as strong as hyaline cartilage

Slow Recovery[edit | edit source]

Cartilage repair takes time

Monitor pain[edit | edit source]

Compensatory movements[edit | edit source]

Early motion is required for healing delay full weight bearing for 6 weeks or longer based on certain clinical factors, semi-rigid braces, or lace-up braces, crutches

Differential Diagnosis
[edit | edit source]

add text here relating to the differential diagnosis of this condition

Resources
[edit | edit source]

add appropriate resources here

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Mosca M, Grassi A, Caravelli S. Osteochondral Lesions of Ankle and Knee. Will Future Treatments Really Be Represented by Custom-Made Metal Implants?. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022 Jul 1;11(13):3817.
  2. Ferkel RD, Chams RN. Chronic lateral instability: arthroscopic findings and long-term results. Foot Ankle Int. 2007 Jan;28(1):24-31.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Badekas T, Takvorian M, Souras N. Treatment principles for osteochondral lesions in foot and ankle. Int Orthop. 2013 Sep;37(9):1697-706. doi: 10.1007/s00264-013-2076-1.
  4. BERNDT AL, HARTY M. Transchondral fractures (osteochondritis dissecans) of the talus. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1959 Sep;41-A:988-1020.
  5. Loomer R, Fisher C, Lloyd-Smith R, Sisler J, Cooney T. Osteochondral lesions of the talus. Am J Sports Med. 1993 Jan-Feb;21(1):13-9.
  6. Ferkel RD, Sgaglione NA, DelPizzo W. Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: long-term results. Orthop Trans. 1990;14:172–173.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Elghawy AA, Sesin C, Rosselli M. Osteochondral defects of the talus with a focus on platelet-rich plasma as a potential treatment option: a review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2018 Feb 1;4(1):e000318.
  8. Hepple S, Winson IG, Glew D. Osteochondral lesions of the talus: a revised classification. Foot Ankle Int. 1999 Dec;20(12):789-93.