[Arthroscopic treatment of talus osteochondral lesions: study of 73 cases].

BACKGROUND AND AIM The aim of our study is to analyze the different techniques used in arthroscopic treatment of talus osteochondral lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD We retrospectively analyzed 73 patients who underwent surgery between 2000 and 2011. Patients were divided in two groups: group A (51 patients), those treated with osteochondral stimulation techniques, and group B (32 patients), that were treated by repair techniques. The mean age was 32.58 (19-73) years in group A and 36.50 (19-58) in group B. It is identified male predominance and medial lesions in both groups. RESULTS Were evaluated according to the AOFAS ankle scoring scale, it is observed a statistically significant clinical improvement (P<.001). Preoperative values were 48.77 (31-67) in group A and 58.08 (41-75) in group B. After surgery scores amounted to 85.19 (60-100) in group A and 93.60 (80-100) in group B. CONCLUSIONS Ankle arthroscopy is an excellent technique for the accurate staging of osteochondral lesions, and diagnosis and treatment of associated injuries. The arthroscopic treatment of lesions grade i, ii and sometimes iii, by stimulation techniques and chondral lesions grade iii and iv by replacement techniques, gives good results with few complications.