Factors predicting the outcome of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture technique in treatment of osteochondral lesions of talus

Aims and Scope: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are common injuries that occur following ankle sprains and fractures. Surgical management, either through open or arthroscopic technique, is required to eliminate the pain and restore the ankle’s function. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of demographic variables and lesion’s characteristics. Method and Techniques: In this study, 40 ankle (40 patients), who underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture technique to treat osteochondral lesion of the talus, were evaluated retrospectively after two years. The functional outcome of the ankle joint was assessed by using foot – ankle disability score, (FADS), pain analysing scale score (PASS), American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score, and Ogilvie-Harris scaling system. Then the association between patients’ age and gender, and the lesions’ characteristics, including size, grade, and location, were evaluated. Results: Outcome results varied according to the scoring system, but all patients achieved satisfied outcome and pain relieve. Younger patients with smaller lesions achieved a better clinical result. All measures including PASS, AOFAS, Ogilvie-Harris, FADS appeared to be significantly better in smaller lesions. ( P -value <0.05) PASS and Ogilvie-Harris scales showed better results in younger patients. Ogilvie-Harris test result was notably superior in the lateral lesions. Conclusion: The patient’s age and size of the lesion are two prognostic factors of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of OLTs. We believe arthroscopic management can be associated with a better outcome in lesions smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter and patients younger than 40-years-old. Level of Clinical Evidence: Level 2 – prognostic study