An Osteochondral Lesion in the Distal Fibula

Abstract

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are well-recognized clinical entities; however, this report illustrates a rare case of an osteochondral defect in the distal fibula. A 15-year-old male was referred to the orthopaedic services with a 9-month history of persistent ankle pain following an initial inversion injury. Plain X-ray was unremarkable but magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed an osteochondral lesion at the level of the fibular physeal scar. The patient underwent an ankle arthroscopy where an unstable chondral flap was debrided and the associated fissure decompressed. The patient made an uneventful recovery and returned to normal sporting activities, symptom free. This diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with chronic ankle pain particularly with a history of an inversion injury. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of this condition. Therapeutic, Level IV, Case study.