Lesion Size Measured on MRI Does Not Accurately Reflect Arthroscopic Measurement in Talar Osteochondral Lesions

Background: Lesion size is a major determinant of treatment strategy for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used in the preoperative evaluation of OLTs, the reliability of the MRI measurement compared with the arthroscopic measurement is unknown. Purpose: To compare preoperative lesion size measured on MRI versus intraoperative lesion size measured during arthroscopy. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients treated with bone marrow stimulation for OLTs. The diameter of the lesion was measured at its widest point in 2 planes, and MRI measurements were compared with those made during arthroscopy using a custom-made graduated probe. Results: A total of 39 patients with 45 OLTs were analyzed. Mean ± SD area measurements on MRI were significantly greater than the equivalent arthroscopic measurements (42.2 ± 30.5 vs 28.6 ± 23.1 mm2, respectively; P = .03). Compared with the arthroscopic measurement, MRI overestimated OLT size in 53.3% (24/45) of ankles and underestimated OLT size in 24.4% (11/45). The mean MRI diameter measurement was significantly greater than the arthroscopic measurement in the coronal plane (MRI diameter vs arthroscopic measurement coronal plane, 6.1 ± 2.6 vs 4.9 ± 2.3 mm, P = .03; sagittal plane, 8.0 ± 3.6 vs 6.3 ± 3.6 mm, P = .05). Further, MRI overestimated coronal diameter in 48.9% (22/45) of ankles and underestimated in 26.7% (12/45) compared with the arthroscopic measurement. Similarly, sagittal plane MRI diameter measurements overestimated lesion size in 46.7% (21/45) of ankles and underestimated lesion size in 28.9% (13/45) compared with the arthroscopic findings. Conclusion: In a majority of lesions, MRI overestimated OLT area and diameter compared with arthroscopy. Surgeons should be aware of the discrepancies that can exist between MRI and arthroscopic measurements, as these data are important in making treatment decisions and educating patients.

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Immediate Unrestricted Postoperative Weightbearing and Mobilization after Bone Marrow Stimulation of Large Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603516657639 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 73-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gregory A. Lundeen ◽

Linda J. Dunaway

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Case Series ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Arthroscopic Treatment ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Postoperative Rehabilitation ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽

Marrow Stimulation

Objective There remains no consensus on a postoperative protocol following arthroscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) and most studies report a period of immobilization and nonweightbearing. Outcomes are believed to decrease with larger size. The purpose of our study was to evaluate patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment of large (≥150 mm2) OLTs with immediate unrestricted weightbearing and mobilization postoperatively. Design Patients who underwent arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for osteochondral defects were identified. Exclusion criteria included lesions less than 150 mm2, additional procedures other than ligament reconstruction, incongruent ankle joint, arthritis, and tibial plafond lesions. Postoperatively, all patients were placed into a soft dressing and were allowed immediate weightbearing as tolerated. Patients were considered failures if their AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) score was less than 80 or if they underwent osteochondral transplant. Results Thirteen patients were available for follow-up. Two patients underwent osteochondral transplant and were considered failures. Of the remaining 11, the average follow-up time after surgery was 33 months (range, 7-59 months). Average age was 37 years (range, 15-56 years), and lesion size averaged 239 mm2 (range, 150-400 mm2). Average postoperative scores included foot function index 50 (range, 23-136), visual analog scale 3 (range, 0-8), and AOFAS hindfoot 82 (range, 40-100). The group’s overall success rate was 54% (7/13). Conclusion The results of our study are higher than those previously published studies on large lesions with a more restricted postoperative rehabilitation, suggesting that unrestricted weightbearing and range of motion does not diminish patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: IV, Case series.

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Talar osteochondral size influences outcome after bone marrow stimulation: a systematic review

Journal of ISAKOS Joint Disorders & Orthopaedic Sports Medicine ◽

10.1136/jisakos-2016-000092 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (6) ◽

pp. 318-324

Author(s):

Vincenzo Candela ◽

Umile Giuseppe Longo ◽

Mauro Ciuffreda ◽

Giuseppe Salvatore ◽

Alessandra Berton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Bone Marrow ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽

Marrow Stimulation ◽

Level I ◽

High Level

ImportanceNo accepted definition of lesion size exists to treat osteochondral defects (OCD) of talus with bone marrow stimulation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to establish a relationship between the clinical outcomes and size of OCD lesion to identify the area or diameter best suited to be treated with arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation.Evidence reviewA search was conducted of level I through IV studies from January 2000 to August 2017, to identify studies reporting on talus OCDs treated with bone marrow stimulation. 21 articles were identified. The overall quality of evidence was fair.Findings21 articles were included in which 1303 ankles with OCD of talus were evaluated. Patients were assessed at a median follow-up period of 38.1 months, ranging from 6.3 to 217 months. Considering a cut-off of an area <1.5 cm2 or with a diameter ≤1.5 cm, the mean postoperative AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) value was 89.1±3 and 84.65±2.7, respectively (p=0.016).Conclusions and relevanceDespite the current lack of high-level evidence, our results suggest that bone marrow stimulation techniques provide an effective and reliable means to treat small to mid-sized OCD. Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation for isolated osteochondral lesions of the talus is a safe and effective procedure that provides good clinical outcomes for lesions with an area less than 1.5 cm2 or with a diameter less than 1.5 cm. The attempt to find a new cut-off value to identify more precisely good outcome lesions was unsuccessful. However, the long-term benefits of bone marrow stimulation techniques should be tested in larger cohort of patients with longer term evaluations.Level of evidenceSystematic review, level III.

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Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis With Lateral Ligament Stabilization for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus in Patients With Ankle Instability

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211007439 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 232596712110074

Author(s):

Jakob Ackermann ◽

Fabio A. Casari ◽

Christoph Germann ◽

Lizzy Weigelt ◽

Stephan H. Wirth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cartilage Repair ◽

Ankle Instability ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Lateral Ligament ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Radiographic Outcomes

Background: Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) has been shown to result in favorable clinical outcomes in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). Though, the influence of ankle instability on cartilage repair of the ankle has yet to be determined. Purpose/Hypothesis: To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with and without concomitant lateral ligament stabilization (LLS) undergoing AMIC for the treatment of OLT. It was hypothesized that the outcomes would be comparable between these patient groups. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Twenty-six patients (13 with and 13 without concomitant ankle instability) who underwent AMIC with a mean follow-up of 4.2 ± 1.5 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were matched 1:1 according to age, body mass index (BMI), lesion size, and follow-up. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and Tegner, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores were obtained at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. A musculoskeletal radiologist scored all grafts according to the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) 1 and MOCART 2.0 scores. Results: The patients’ mean age was 33.4 ± 12.7 years, with a mean BMI of 26.2 ± 3.7. Patients with concomitant LLS showed worse clinical outcome measured by the AOFAS (85.1 ± 14.4 vs 96.3 ± 5.8; P = .034) and Tegner (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 4.4 ± 2.3; P = .012) scores. Postoperative CAIT and AOFAS scores were significantly correlated in patients with concomitant LLS ( r = 0.766; P = .002). A CAIT score >24 (no functional ankle instability) resulted in AOFAS scores comparable with scores in patients with isolated AMIC (90.1 ± 11.6 vs 95.3 ± 6.6; P = .442). No difference was seen between groups regarding MOCART 1 and 2.0 scores ( P = .714 and P = .371, respectively). Conclusion: Concurrently performed AMIC and LLS in patients with OLT and ankle instability resulted in clinical outcomes comparable with isolated AMIC if postoperative ankle stability was achieved. However, residual ankle instability was associated with worse postoperative outcomes, highlighting the need for adequate stabilization of ankle instability in patients with OLT.

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Patient-specific metal implants for focal chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee; excellent clinical results at 2 years

Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy ◽

10.1007/s00167-020-06289-7 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Johannes Holz ◽

Tim Spalding ◽

Tarek Boutefnouchet ◽

Pieter Emans ◽

Karl Eriksson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cartilage Repair ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Open Label ◽

Full Data ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Metal Implants

Abstract Purpose Surgical treatment options for the management of focal chondral and osteochondral lesions in the knee include biological solutions and focal metal implants. A treatment gap exists for patients with lesions not suitable for arthroplasty or biologic repair or who have failed prior cartilage repair surgery. This study reports on the early clinical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing treatment with an individualised mini-metal implant for an isolated focal chondral defect in the knee. Methods Open-label, multicentre, non-randomised, non-comparative retrospective observational analysis of prospectively collected clinical data in a consecutive series of 80 patients undergoing knee reconstruction with the Episealer® implant. Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and VAS scores, were recorded preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Results Seventy-five patients were evaluated at a minimum 24 months following implantation. Two patients had undergone revision (2.5%), 1 declined participation, and 2 had not completed the full data requirements, leaving 75 of the 80 with complete data for analysis. All 5 KOOS domain mean scores were significantly improved at 1 and 2 years (p < 0.001–0.002). Mean preoperative aggregated KOOS4 of 35 (95% CI 33.5–37.5) improved to 57 (95% CI 54.5–60.2) and 59 (95% CI 55.7–61.6) at 12 and 24 months respectively (p < 0.05). Mean VAS score improved from 63 (95% CI 56.0–68.1) preoperatively to 32 (95% CI 24.4–38.3) at 24 months. The improvement exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and this improvement was maintained over time. Location of defect and history of previous cartilage repair did not significantly affect the outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusion The study suggests that at 2 years, Episealer® implants are safe with a low failure rate of 2.5% and result in clinically significant improvement. Individualised mini-metal implants with appropriate accurate guides for implantation appear to have a place in the management of focal femoral chondral and osteochondral defects in the knee. Level of evidence IV.

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Incidence of Coexisting Talar and Tibial Osteochondral Lesions Correlates With Patient Age and Lesion Location

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967118790965 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (8) ◽

pp. 232596711879096 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rebecca M. Irwin ◽

Yoshiharu Shimozono ◽

Youichi Yasui ◽

Robin Megill ◽

Timothy W. Deyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Patients ◽

Distal Tibia ◽

Case Series ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Magnetic Resonance Images ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Age ◽

Morphologic Characteristics ◽

Patient Âgé

Background: The incidence of coexisting osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the tibia and talus has been negatively correlated with successful clinical outcomes, yet these lesions have not been extensively characterized. Purpose: To determine the incidence of coexisting tibial and talar OCLs, assess the morphologic characteristics of these lesions, and evaluate whether these characteristics are predictive of outcome. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 83 patients who underwent surgery for a talar OCL were evaluated for coexisting OCLs of the distal tibia with preoperative magnetic resonance images. Size, location, containment, International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade, patient age, and patient sex were analyzed for predictors of coexisting lesions or patient outcome. The talar and tibial surfaces were each divided into 9 zones, with 1 corresponding to the most anteromedial region and proceeding laterally and then posteriorly. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Results: Twenty-six patients (31%) had coexisting tibial and talar OCLs, with 9 (35%) identified as kissing lesions. Age correlated with coexisting lesion incidence, as older patients were more likely to have a coexisting tibial OCL ( P = .038). More than half of talar OCLs were found in zone 4 (61%), whereas the majority of tibial OCLs were located in zones 2, 4, and 5 (19% each). Patients with coexisting lesions were more likely to have a lateral talar OCL ( P = .028), while those without a coexisting tibial lesion were more likely to have a talar OCL in zone 4 ( P = .016). There was no difference in FAOS result or lesion size between patients with and without coexisting OCLs, but patients with coexisting lesions were more likely to have an ICRS grade 4 talar OCL ( P = .034). For patients with coexisting lesions, kissing lesions were more likely to be located in zone 6 ( P = .043). There was no difference in OCL size or containment between kissing and nonkissing coexisting OCLs. Conclusion: The incidence of coexisting talar and tibial OCLs may be more prevalent than what previous reports have suggested, with older patients being more likely to present with this pathology. The location of a talar OCL correlates with the incidence of a coexisting tibial OCL.

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Lesion Size Is a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes After Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546516668292 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 45 (7) ◽

pp. 1698-1705 ◽

Cited By ~ 73

Author(s):

Laura Ramponi ◽

Youichi Yasui ◽

Christopher D. Murawski ◽

Richard D. Ferkel ◽

Christopher W. DiGiovanni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Lesion Area ◽

Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽

Marrow Stimulation ◽

Mean Diameter ◽

The Mean

Background: The critical lesion size treated with bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) has been 150 mm2 in area or 15 mm in diameter. However, recent investigations have failed to detect a significant correlation between the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs. Purpose: To systematically review clinical studies reporting both the lesion size and clinical outcomes after BMS for OLTs. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed in March 2015 based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included studies were evaluated with regard to the level of evidence (LOE), quality of evidence (QOE), lesion size, and clinical outcomes. Results: Twenty-five studies with 1868 ankles were included; 88% were either LOE 3 or 4, and 96% did not have good QOE. The mean area was 103.8 ± 10.2 mm2 in 20 studies, and the mean diameter was 10.0 ± 3.2 mm in 5 studies. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 62.4 ± 7.9 preoperatively to 83.9 ± 9.2 at a mean 54.1-month follow-up in 14 studies reporting both preoperative and postoperative scores with a mean follow-up of more than 2 years. A significant correlation was found in 3 studies, with a mean lesion area of 107.4 ± 10.4 mm2, while none was reported in 8 studies, with a mean lesion area of 85.3 ± 9.2 mm2. The lesion diameter significantly correlated with clinical outcomes in 2 studies (mean diameter, 10.2 ± 3.2 mm), whereas none was found in 2 studies (mean diameter, 8.8 ± 0.0 mm). However, the reported lesion size measurement method and evaluation method of clinical outcomes widely varied among the studies. Conclusion: An assessment of the currently available data does suggest that BMS may best be reserved for OLT sizes less than 107.4 mm2 in area and/or 10.2 mm in diameter. Future development in legitimate prognostic size guidelines based on high-quality evidence that correlate with outcomes will surely provide patients with the best potential for successful long-term outcomes.

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Review of Mechanical, Processing, and Immunologic Factors Associated With Outcomes of Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Talus

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100717697649 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (7) ◽

pp. 808-819 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chikezie N. Okeagu ◽

Erin A. Baker ◽

Nicholas A. Barreras ◽

Zachary M. Vaupel ◽

Paul T. Fortin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Storage Conditions ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Cartilage Tissue ◽

Osteochondral Allograft ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Chondrocyte Viability ◽

Immunological Mechanisms ◽

Graft Storage

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are an increasingly implicated cause of ankle pain and instability. Several treatment methods exist with varying clinical outcomes. Due in part to successful osteochondral allografting (OCA) in other joints, such as the knee and shoulder, OCA has gained popularity as a treatment option, especially in the setting of large lesions. The clinical outcomes of talar OCA have been inconsistent relative to the positive results observed in other joints. Current literature regarding OCA failure focuses mainly on 3 factors: the effect of graft storage conditions on chondrocyte viability, graft/lesion size, and operative technique. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the ability for bone and cartilage tissue to invoke an immune response, and a limited number of clinical studies have suggested that this response may have the potential to influence outcomes after transplantation. Further research is warranted to investigate the role of immunological mechanisms as an etiology of OCA failure. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

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Location Distribution of 2,087 Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Cartilage ◽

10.1177/1947603520954510 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 194760352095451

Author(s):

Pascal R. van Diepen ◽

Jari Dahmen ◽

J. Nienke Altink ◽

Sjoerd A.S. Stufkens ◽

Gino M.M.J. Kerkhoffs

Keyword(s):

Osteochondral Lesion ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Search Terms ◽

Open Operation ◽

Grid Scheme ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Objective The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the exact location distribution in patients with osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) using a 9-grid scheme. The secondary aim is to match lesion location to lesion size, arthroscopic or open operation, and trauma occurrence. Methods A systematic review was performed in the databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. Search terms consisted of “talus” and “osteochondral lesion.” Two independent reviewers evaluated search results and conducted the quality assessment using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). Primary outcome measure was OLT location in the 9 zone-grid. Secondary outcome measures were OLT size in 9-zones, preoperative radiological modality use, demographic lesion size variables as well as open or arthroscopic treatment. Results Fifty-one articles with 2,087 OLTs were included. Heterogeneity concerning methodological nature was observed and methodological quality was low. The posteromedial (28%) and centromedial (31%) zones combined as one location was the location with the highest incidence of OLTs with a rate of 59%. Individual OLT size was reported for only 153 lesions (7%). Preoperative combination of X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or computed tomography (CT) was reported in 20 studies (43%). Trauma was reported in 78% of patients. Furthermore, 67% was treated arthroscopically and 76% received primary OLT treatment. Conclusion The majority of OLTs are located in the posteromedial and centromedial zone, while the largest OLTs were reported in the centrocentral zone. Further research is required to identify the prognostic impact of location occurrence on the outcomes following OLT treatment.

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Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Are Clinical Outcomes Maintained 10 Years Later?

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546521992471 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652199247

Author(s):

Jae Han Park ◽

Kwang Hwan Park ◽

Jae Yong Cho ◽

Seung Hwan Han ◽

Jin Woo Lee

Keyword(s):

Prognostic Factors ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Revision Surgery ◽

Lesion Size ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Bone Marrow Stimulation ◽

Factors Associated ◽

The Mean

Background: Arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) is considered the first-line treatment for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). However, the long-term stability of the clinical success of BMS remains unclear. Purpose: To investigate the long-term clinical outcomes among patients who underwent BMS for OLT and to identify prognostic factors for the need for revision surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 202 ankles (189 patients) that were treated with BMS for OLT and had a minimum follow-up of 10 years. The visual analog scale for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were assessed by repeated measures analysis of variance. Prognostic factors associated with revision surgery were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard regression models and log-rank tests. Results: The mean lesion size was 105.32 mm2 (range, 19.75-322.79); 42 ankles (20.8%) had large lesions (≥150 mm2). The mean visual analog scale for pain improved from 7.11 ± 1.73 (mean ± SD) preoperatively to 1.44 ± 1.52, 1.46 ± 1.57, and 1.99 ± 1.67 at 1, 3 to 6, and ≥10 years, respectively, after BMS ( P < .001). The mean ankle-hindfoot score also improved, from 58.22 ± 13.57 preoperatively to 86.88 ± 10.61, 86.17 ± 10.23, and 82.76 ± 11.65 at 1, 3 to 6, and ≥10 years after BMS ( P < .001). The FAOS at the final follow-up was 82.97 ± 13.95 for pain, 81.81 ± 14.64 for symptoms, 83.49 ± 11.04 for activities of daily living, 79.34 ± 11.61 for sports, and 78.71 ± 12.42 for quality of life. Twelve ankles underwent revision surgery after a mean 53.5 months. Significant prognostic factors associated with revision surgery were the size of the lesion (preoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurement ≥150 mm2; P = .014) and obesity (body mass index ≥25; P = .009). Conclusion: BMS for OLT yields satisfactory clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 13.9 years. The success of the surgery may depend on the lesion size and body mass index of the patient.

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MRI Tracking of the Effect of Bioabsorbable Pins on Bone Marrow Edema After Fixation of the Osteochondral Fragment in the Talus

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100718809351 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 323-329 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Tomoyuki Nakasa ◽

Yasunari Ikuta ◽

Yusuke Tsuyuguchi ◽

Yuki Ota ◽

Munekazu Kanemitsu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Bone Marrow Edema ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Osteochondral Lesions ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Insertion Angle ◽

Pin Fixation ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

American Orthopaedic ◽

Marrow Edema

Background: Large osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) with good articular cartilage can be fixed by using bioabsorbable pins. These pins have various advantages but they can have adverse effects such as foreign body inflammation. This negative impact of pins on subchondral bone can be seen as bone marrow edema (BME) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the course of change in BME on MRI, including osteolytic change around pins in OLT treated with pin fixation. Methods: This study comprised 13 ankles in 12 patients, who underwent surgeries to fix an OLT using poly-l-lactide acid pins. MRIs were taken at preoperative, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The area of BME was measured at each time point, and osteolytic change around pins was evaluated. Moreover, pin insertion angle was measured. Results: BME significantly decreased from preoperative to 6 and 12 months. At 1 year, 28.1% of pins exhibited osteolytic change around them. Pin insertion angle was significantly lower in those with osteolytic change than those with no osteolytic change. At 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, BME with osteolytic change was significantly greater than those patients with no osteolytic change. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score significantly improved from preoperative (76.6±3.4 points) to 1 year after surgery (98.5±3.8 points). Conclusion: A shallow pin insertion angle was associated with osteolytic change around pins and persistence of BME on MRI, although excellent results were obtained at 1 year after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

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