Arthroscopic Microfracture For Osteochondral Lesions Research Articles

Correlation Second-Look Arthroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Image after Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Category: Ankle; Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Arthroscopic microfracture is a commonly used surgical technique for treating osteochondral lesions of the talus. Long-term clinical outcomes have generally been found satisfactory. However, there are few studies that accurately evaluate the quality of cartilage repair after microfracture and its relationship with clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the status of cartilage repair after microfracture using second-look arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and compare it with clinical outcomes. Methods: Fifty patients underwent second-look arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 12.4 months after microfracture (range, 6-19 months). The MRI performed prior to the second-look arthroscopy was evaluated using the magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) score. Results: In second-look arthroscopy, 13 ankles (39%) exhibited abnormal findings according to ICRS overall repair grades. The postoperative MOCART score was 74.2 (range, 25 to 95). 16 patients (32%) had a mismatch between the MRI and second-look arthroscopic findings. All functional score including FAOS, AOFAS and SF-36 were improved between the preoperative and last follow-up evaluation (p < 0.001). The mean postoperative FAOS scores were 88.8 for grade-I and II ankles (n=37) and 82.9 for grade-III and IV ankles (n=13). There was good correlation between FAOS scores and ICRS grades (p = 0.018). The analysis of the correlation between postoperative FAOS and factors for MOCART evaluation showed that the degree of defect infill (p < 0.001) and subchondral bone (p=0.014) had statistical significance. Conclusion: The second-look arthroscopic evaluation conducted 12.4 months after arthroscopic microfracture indicated incomplete healing in 39% of the lesions. A 32% mismatch between second-look arthroscopy and MRI highlights the challenge for MRI in precisely depicting cartilage repair. Nonetheless, even in the presence of this mismatch, clinical outcomes are predicted to be unfavorable when inadequate cartilage defect infill or the existence of subchondral bone edema is observed on MRI.

Comparative analysis of short-term efficacy between robot-assisted retrograde drilling and arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

To investigate the short-term clinical efficacy of robot-assisted retrograde drilling and arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT). This study was divided into two groups: experimental group: robot-assisted retrograde drilling group; control group: arthroscopic microfracture group. A total of 6 OCLT patients who were treated with robot navigation-assisted retrograde drilling and 10 OCLT patients who were treated with arthroscopic microfracture between October 2020 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 11 males and five females, with a mean age of 36 years. The patients were followed up for 6-12 months to compare the changes in the OCLT lesion area by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), visual analogue scale/score (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) before and after surgery. All 16 patients were followed up for an average of 8 months, and no complications such as joint infection, nerve injury, or active bleeding occurred during the follow-up period. Only one patient suffered discomfort involving transient postoperative pain in the operative area, but did not experience long-term numbness or chronic pain. Postoperative MRI revealed that none of the patients had severe signs of osteonecrosis, osteolysis or cystic changes of the talus, with lesion areas smaller than those before surgery. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). The patients in the experimental group showed a more significant improvement in the last 3 months than in the first 3 months of the follow-up period. At the last follow-up, the VAS score was 3 points in the experimental group and 2.2 points in the control group, and the AOFAS score was 88.6 points in the experimental group and 88 points in the control group, all of which were significantly higher than those before operation, and the differences were statistically significant, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Both robot navigation-assisted retrograde drilling and arthroscopic microfracture for bone marrow stimulation (BMS) to treat OCLT in all patients obtained satisfactory effects in the short term. In addition, the follow-up revealed that with excellent efficacy and few complications, robot navigation-assisted retrograde drilling was safe and minimally invasive, and greatly reduced operative time. Consequently, robot navigation-assisted retrograde drilling for BMS was a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of OCLT.

Comparison of Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With and Without Small and Shallow Subchondral Cysts.

Whether arthroscopic microfracture is effective in treating cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) remains controversial. In this study, outcome parameters in patients with small and shallow subchondral cysts are compared to patients without cysts with the hypothesis that equivalent outcomes may be found after primary microfracture treatment. From 2018 to 2021, all 50 OLTs treated with arthroscopic microfracture in the authors' hospital were retrospectively reviewed for eligibility. Single unilateral symptomatic lesions were included and divided into the cyst and noncyst groups, whereas kissing lesions and arthritic lesions were excluded. Numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, Tegner activity level scores, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging results were used to describe outcomes. A total of 35 patients were included, 16 in the cyst group and 19 in the noncyst group. The patient characteristics were similar between the 2 groups (P > .05). In the cyst group the average cysts depth was 5.0 ± 1.3 mm. After a mean follow-up duration of 36.2 ± 10.2 months, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in NRS, AOFAS, FAAM, or Tegner score improvement (P > .05). Three patients (19%) in the cyst group had no NRS score improvement. OLTs with small and shallow subchondral cysts can be treated with arthroscopic microfracture and achieve similar outcomes as noncystic lesions. A few cystic lesions may not respond to microfracture treatment. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: 5-Year Results in 355 Consecutive Ankles.

Background:Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) has shown good functional outcomes in the short and long term.Purpose:To investigate 5-year radiographic and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic microfracture in treatment of OLT and the effectiveness of adjunct therapies including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA).Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:We prospectively enrolled 432 patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture for OLT from May 1, 2011, to May 31, 2015. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and weightbearing radiographs were performed annually after the initial surgery. The MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) score was used to evaluate the structure of the repaired cartilage on MRI, and patient-reported outcomes (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale [AOFAS] and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score) were collected annually. The primary outcome measure was 5-year AOFAS score. We recorded baseline characteristics including age, body mass index (BMI), and lesion size, and other potentially related factors including number of PRP/HA injection and change in BMI from baseline.Results:Included were 355 patients, all with minimum 5-year follow-up data. The overall reoperation rate was 9.0% (32 of 355). According to multivariable analysis, 5-year AOFAS scores were associated with number of PRP injections (correlation coefficient, 3.12 [95% CI, 2.36 to 3.89]; P < .001), BMI at baseline (correlation coefficient, -0.222 [95% CI, -0.363 to -0.082]; P = .002), and mean BMI change from baseline (correlation coefficient, -1.15 [95% CI, -1.32 to -0.98]; P < .001). When comparing number of PRP injections (0, 1-2, or ≥3), we found that patients who had serial PRP injection (≥3 with at least a 3-month interval between injections) had diminished functional and radiographic deterioration over time.Conclusion:Arthroscopic microfracture improved patient-reported and structural outcomes for patients with OLT at 5 years after surgery. Serial PRP injections and reduction in BMI from baseline were able to slow radiographic and functional deterioration. Future trials regarding the combination of microfracture and PRP in treatment of OLT should focus on the efficacy of longer term, intra-articular, serial injections of PRP instead of single injections.

Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome in the athlete: what evidence leads to which treatment

Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome in the athlete: what evidence leads to which treatment

Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus are better in patients with decreased postoperative subchondral bone marrow edema

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of subchondral bone marrow edema (SBME) in osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) after arthroscopic microfracture are associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between SBME volume change and clinical outcomes has not been analyzed. It was hypothesized that clinical outcomes correlated with SBME volume change and extent of cartilage regeneration in patients with OLT. 64 patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture for OLT were followed up for more than 2years. SBME volume change was measured by comparing preoperative and 2-year follow-up MRI. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American orthopedic foot and ankle society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS) at the 2-year and final follow-up. To compare clinical outcomes, patients were categorized into two groups: decreased SBME (DSBME) group (cases without SBME on either MRI or with a decreased SBME volume between the MRIs) and increased SBME (ISBME) group (cases with new SBME on postoperative MRI or with an increased SBME volume between the MRIs). Additionally, the effects of age, sex, body mass index, symptom duration, OLT size, OLT location, containment/uncontainment, preoperative subchondral cysts, pre- and postoperative SBME volumes, and MRI observation of cartilage repair tissue score on clinical outcomes were analyzed. The DSBME group included 45 patients, whereas the ISBME group included 19. The mean age was 40.1 ± 17.2years, and mean follow-up period was 35.7 ± 18.3months. Preoperative SBME volume was significantly higher in the DSBME group, while the ISBME group had higher volumes at the final follow-up. In both groups, the VAS and AOFAS scores significantly improved at the final follow-up(p < 0.001, < 0.001). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the DSBME group at the 2-year andfinal follow-up (p = 0.004, 0.011), while the AOFAS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.019, 0.028). Other factors including cartilage regeneration did not affect clinical outcomes. SBME volume change correlated with clinical outcomes after arthroscopic microfracture for OLT. Clinical outcomes were worse in patients with new postoperative SBME and increased postoperative SBME volume. In patients with an unsatisfactory clinical course that show decreased SBME via postoperative MRI, an extended follow-up in a conservative manner could be considered. Level III.

Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Old Age Patient

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus, in patients of older than 60 years old.Methods:Sixteen patients (16 ankles) with osteochondral lesions of the talus were treated by arthroscopic microfracture from October 2012 to June 2019. As two patients were lost to follow-up, Fourteen patients (14 ankles) participated in the study. There were 6 men (42.9%) and 8 women (57.1%) of average age 67.4years (range 60-77) at the time of surgery. Clinical outcome evaluations were performed using Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and patient’s satisfaction after surgery at a mean follow-up of 50.8 months.Results:Mean FAOS scores improved from SYMPTOM 68.2 points (range 39-86), PAIN 65.1 points (range 36-94), ADL 69.4 points (range 32-99), SPORTS 45.4 points (range 25-80), QOL 47.1 points (range 13-94) preoperatively to SYMPTOM 94.8 points (range 68-100), PAIN 91.1 points (range 48-100), ADL 93.3 points (range 59-100), SPORTS 71.8 points (range 30-100), QOL 79.8 points (range 25-100) at final follow up. Very satisfaction in 4 (29%), Satisfaction in 7 (50%), Fair in 2 (14%), Dissatisfaction in 1 (7%), and reason for dissatisfaction was persistent pain after surgery.Conclusion:Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus is a safe and effective procedure for old age patient.

Return to Play after Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Young Elite Athletes

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:The current scientific evidence for the clinical and sports-related outcomes of the surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) with arthroscopic microfracture (MF) in elite athletes is scarce. The purpose of curretn study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and return to sports activity after arthroscopic MF for OLTs in elite athletes.Methods:The files of 41 elite athletes (mean age 19.34 +- 3.76 years) who had undergone arthroscopic MF for OLTs at our institution between January 2011 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot and visual analog pain (VAS) score, time and rate of ‘return-to-competition’ (RTC, defined as return to an official match for at least one minute after treatment), and rate of ‘return- to-play’ (RTP, defined as participation in at least two entire seasons after treatment) were used to evaluate the outcomes. We compared athletes who were able to RTP (RTP-group) with those who were not (No-RTP group).Results:The mean follow-up was 54.9 +- 13.72 months. All five subscales of preoperative FAOS were significantly improved at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score of 74.46 +- 8.10 improved to 91.62 +- 2.99 (P < 0.001) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative VAS score of 5.44 +- 1.57 improved to 2.66 +- 1.04 (P < 0.001). All patients achieved RTC (100%) at mean time of 5.45 +- 3.18 months, and 74.4% of patients were able to RTP. The RTP-group showed significantly smaller lesions compared to the No-RTP group (71.52 +- 43.29 vs. 107.00 +- 45.28 mm2, P = 0.009). The cut-off OLT size for predicting RTP was 84.0 mm2, with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 75.9%.Conclusion:All athletes were able to RTC at average of 5.45 months after MF for OLTs, and 74.4% were able to RTP. The only prognostic variable for RTP was lesion size, and its predictive cut-off was 84 mm2.

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Continued Optimal Management and Clinical Follow-up Enigma: Commentary on an article by Hong-Yeol Yang, MD, and Keun-Bae Lee, MD, PhD: "Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. Second-Look Arthroscopic and Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Cartilage Repair Tissue Outcomes".

Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Continued Optimal Management and Clinical Follow-up Enigma: Commentary on an article by Hong-Yeol Yang, MD, and Keun-Bae Lee, MD, PhD: "Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus. Second-Look Arthroscopic and Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Cartilage Repair Tissue Outcomes".

Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Functional Outcomes at a Mean of 6.7 Years in 165 Consecutive Ankles

Background: Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) has shown good functional outcomes. However, some studies have reported that functional outcomes deteriorate over time after surgery. Purpose: To use various functional scoring systems to evaluate functional outcomes in a large sample of patients with OLT treated by arthroscopic microfracture. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 165 ankles (156 patients) that underwent arthroscopic microfracture for small to mid-sized OLT. The mean lesion size was 73 mm2 (range, 17-146 mm2), and the mean follow-up period was 6.7 years (range, 2.0-13.6 years). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to compare the functional outcomes between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments. Results: The mean FAOS significantly improved in regard to all subscores (P < .001). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale showed an improvement from 71.0 points (range, 47.0-84.0) preoperatively to 89.5 points (range, 63.0-100) at the final follow-up (P < .001). The VAS score showed an improvement from 6.2 points (range, 4.0-9.0) preoperatively to 1.7 points (range, 0-6.0) at the final follow-up (P < .001). The mean SF-36 score improved from 62.4 points (range, 27.4-76.6) preoperatively to 76.2 points (range, 42.1-98.0) at the final follow-up (P < .001). Among 165 ankles, 22 ankles (13.3%) underwent repeat arthroscopic surgery for evaluation of repaired cartilage status. Conclusion: Arthroscopic microfracture showed good functional outcomes and improved quality of life with maintenance of satisfactory outcomes at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. Therefore, arthroscopic microfracture seems to be reliable as a first-line treatment for OLT at an intermediate-term follow-up.

Clinical Outcomes of Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond Following Arthroscopic Microfracture

Category:Ankle, ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:There is little data regarding osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond with only a few studies reporting clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the level of sports activities following arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond.Methods:A retrospective review was conducted for all patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture surgery for ankle osteochondral lesions from January 2014 to June 2017. For functional evaluation, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) general health questionnaire were used. We also investigated the level of sports activity before and after the surgery.Results:16 patients were included in the study, and the mean follow-up period was 29.8 months. The mean FAAM score was significantly improved from 57.6 (range, 6.0-88.9) for the activities of daily living subscale and 34.5 (range, 3.1-92.6) for the sports subscale to 84.3 (range, 46.4-100.0) and 65.2 (range, 23.3-55.1) for each subscale respectively at the final follow-up. There were also significant improvements in SF-12 score, from 36.3 (range, 23.3- 55.1) to 46.0 (range, 18.9-56.6) for SF-12 PCS, and from 41.3 (range, 14.2-65.0) to 52.6 (range, 32.8-60.8) for SF-12 MCS at the final follow-up. Although 16 of 16 (100%) were able to return to their sports activity, the level of sports activity was lower than their level before the surgery.Conclusion:Arthroscopic microfracture provided satisfactory clinical outcomes for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond. Though one hundred percentage of patients were able to return to sports activity after the surgery, the level of sports activity was lower than their level before the surgery.

Clinical Outcomes of Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond Following Arthroscopic Microfracture.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the level of sports activity following arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond. A retrospective review was conducted for patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture surgery for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond from January 2014 to June 2017. For functional evaluation, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) general health questionnaire were used. We also investigated the level of sports activity before and after the surgery. Sixteen patients were included in this study, and the mean follow-up period was 29.8 months. The mean VAS score improved from 8.3 (range, 6-10) preoperatively to 1.8 (range, 0-4) postoperatively. The mean FAAM score was improved from 57.6 (range, 6.0-88.9) for the activities of daily living subscale and 34.5 (range, 3.1-92.6) for the sports subscale to 84.3 (range, 46.4-100.0) and 65.2 (range, 23.3-55.1) for each subscale, respectively, at the final follow-up. There were also improvements in the SF-12 score, from 36.3 (range, 23.3-55.1) preoperatively to 46.0 (range, 18.9-56.6) postoperatively for the SF-12 PCS, and from 41.3 (range, 14.2-65.0) preoperatively to 52.6 (range, 32.8-60.8) postoperatively for the SF-12 MCS. All functional scores showed significant differences clinically and statistically at the final follow-up. The level of sports activity after the surgery was significantly lower than their level before the surgery (P = .012). Arthroscopic microfracture provided satisfactory clinical outcomes for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond. Though all the patients in this study were able to return to sports activity after the surgery, the postoperative level of sports activity was significantly lower than their preoperative level. Level IV, retrospective case series.

CT arthrography visualizes joint regeneration after microfracture of OLT

Category:Ankle, Arthroscopy, SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Little is known about arthroscopic or radiographic outcome after arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). The purpose of this study was to investigate tissue growth after arthroscopic microfracture for OLT using computed tomography arthrography (CTA) and to correlate this defect filling with clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that the morphology of the repaired tissue would be similar to that of normal anatomy and related to the clinical outcome.Methods:Forty-two ankles treated using arthroscopic microfracture for OLT from 2009 to 2014 were monitored. CTA was performed postoperatively at 6 months, 1, and 2 years. The postoperative thickness of the repaired tissue associated with OLT (grade) and the volume of the subchondral cystic lesions were evaluated using CTA. Clinical outcomes, including a pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle functional score, were evalua...

CT Arthrography Visualizes Joint Regeneration after Microfracture of OLT

Category: Ankle, Arthroscopy, Sports Introduction/Purpose: Little is known about arthroscopic or radiographic outcome after arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). The purpose of this study was to investigate tissue growth after arthroscopic microfracture for OLT using computed tomography arthrography (CTA) and to correlate this defect filling with clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that the morphology of the repaired tissue would be similar to that of normal anatomy and related to the clinical outcome. Methods: Forty-two ankles treated using arthroscopic microfracture for OLT from 2009 to 2014 were monitored. CTA was performed postoperatively at 6 months, 1, and 2 years. The postoperative thickness of the repaired tissue associated with OLT (grade) and the volume of the subchondral cystic lesions were evaluated using CTA. Clinical outcomes, including a pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle functional score, were evaluated and correlated with CTA. Results: The proportion of fully grown tissue (grade 3) increased over time; specifically, the rates were 12/40 (33.3%) at postoperative 6 months, 11/18 (61.1%) at 1 year, and 8/10 (80%) at 2 years (p=0.005). VAS pain (p&lt;0.001) and AOFAS scores (p&lt;0.001) also improved at the final follow-up; however, they were not associated with repaired tissue thickness on CTA (p=.409 and .579, respectively). Conclusion: Tissue growth after arthroscopic microfracture for OLT was detected in 96% of patients using ankle CTA, with which joint congruency remodeling and subchondral bone formation were well visualized. However, CTA findings were not related to clinical outcomes.

Early Versus Delayed Weightbearing After Microfracture For Osteochondral Lesions Of the Talus

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Bone marrow stimulation techniques, specifically arthroscopic microfracture, have become the therapy of choice for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) less than 15 mm2 in size. Traditionally, the microfracture site is protected with a postoperative non-weightbearing period of 6-8 weeks. However, recent research has suggested postoperative early weight bearing (EWB) after microfracture may produce outcomes equivalent to delayed weight bearing (DWB). We performed a prospective, randomized trial to determine whether the results of EWB after microfracture for OLTs are equivalent to DWB. Methods: We randomized 37 patients (37 ankles) undergoing arthroscopic microfracture for OLTs to either EWB or DWB protocols. The EWB cohort was allowed to bear weight as tolerated two weeks after surgery, while the DWB cohort was held non-weightbearing until six weeks postoperatively. We collected demographic data, mechanism of injury, lesion size and stage, Numeric Rating System pain scores (NRS), and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (AAOS) functional scores preoperatively, then at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results: There were no differences between the two cohorts in terms of patient age, mechanism of injury, lesion size, or lesion stage. The mean age at surgery was 34.1 years (range 21-50 years). 70.4% of the lesions were lateral, 22.2% were medial, and the remainder were central. The EWB group demonstrated statistically significant improvement in AAOS scores at the six week follow-up appointment. There were no significant AAOS score differences at the other time points. NRS pain scores were not significantly different at any time point. Both groups showed mild deterioration of results over time. Conclusion: Early weightbearing after microfracture for OLTs was associated with improved AAOS scores in the short term, without demonstrating poorer function or pain at 2 year follow up. This study supports early weightbearing after arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Comparison of Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus With and Without Subchondral Cyst

Background: Although various treatment modalities for an osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) with a subchondral cyst have been recommended previously, the primary treatment methods for such conditions have yet to be conclusively determined. Moreover, few comprehensive studies have compared the outcomes of cases where patients were treated with microfracture for OLT with and without subchondral cysts. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic microfractures performed as a primary treatment for OLT with a subchondral cyst. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 102 patients (102 ankles) who underwent arthroscopic microfracture for small to midsized OLT. The ankles were divided into a cyst group (45 ankles) and a noncyst group (57 ankles).The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analog scale (VAS), and Ankle Activity Score (AAS) were used to compare the clinical outcomes between the groups over a mean follow-up period of 48 months. Results: The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were 64.8 in the cyst group and 66.2 in the noncyst group preoperatively. These improved to 91.8 and 91.3, respectively, at the final follow-up. The mean VAS scores were 7.5 in the cyst group and 7.3 in the noncyst group preoperatively; these improved to 2.3 and 2.2, respectively, at the final follow-up. The mean AAS in the cyst group and the noncyst group improved from 2.7 and 2.6 preoperatively to 6.7 and 6.5 at the final follow-up, respectively. In terms of radiographic stage improvements, the cyst group showed no change in 18 ankles (40%) and showed improvements of 1 grade in 13 ankles (28.9%), 2 grades in 9 ankles (20%), 3 grades in 3 ankles (6.7%), and 4 grades in 2 ankles (4.4%). The noncyst group showed no change in 17 ankles (29.8%) and showed improvements of 1 grade in 11 ankles (19.3%), 2 grades in 11 ankles (19.3%), 3 grades in 14 ankles (24.6%), and 4 grades in 4 ankles (7.0%). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the AOFAS score, VAS score, AAS, or radiographic stage improvements. Conclusion: OLT with and without subchondral cysts treated with arthroscopic microfracture showed similarly good clinical results. The study results suggest that microfracture could be a primary treatment strategy for treating small to midsized OLT regardless of the existence of subchondral cysts.

Clinical and MRI outcomes of HA injection following arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes of arthroscopic microfracture surgery alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (HA) injection in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Thirty-five patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus who underwent arthroscopic microfracture were included and followed up for at least 9months post-operatively. The patients were randomly divided into non-injection group (n=17) who received treatment with microfracture surgery alone and injection group (n=18) who also accepted intra-articular injection of HA post-operatively. Quantitative MRI was used to evaluate the cartilage repair after surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hind foot Scale scores and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. After operation, the MRI outcomes showed that the thickness index was higher (0.8±0.1 vs. 0.7±0.1) and the T2 index was lower (1.2±0.1 vs. 1.4±0.1) in the injection group than in the non-injection group (P<0.01). As for the volumes of subchondral bone marrow oedema, there are no significant differences between groups (n.s.). Compared with the non-injection group, the AOFAS score and the VAS score yielded a higher level of improvement in injection group at final follow-up post-operatively (P<0.05). Arthroscopic microfracture is a safe and effective procedure for osteochondral lesions of the talus. Intra-articular HA injection as an adjunct to arthroscopic microfracture might offer better functional recovery than microfracture alone. II.