Effect of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture on osteochondral lesions of talus

Objective To study the effect of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture on osteochondral lesions of talus. Methods Arthroscopic ankle joint operations for 117 patients with 123 ankles involved（71 males,46 females） at the age of 34.3 years（range 16-50 years） performed in our hospital from October 2005 to October 2008 were retrospectively analyzed.Of the 123 patients,44 had left ankle lesions,68 had right ankle lesions,and 5 had both left and right ankle lesions.The functions of ankle joint were scored using the AOFAS hindfoot and ankle scoring system,the modified McGuire scoring system,and the Mazur scoring system,respectively. Results The incision was healed by first intention with no severe complications after operation.The patients were followed up for 26-62 months（mean 42.7 months）,during which the symptoms such as pain,swelling and activity limitation of ankle joint were almost disappeared.The scores of ankle joints scored with the 3 scoring systems were significantly higher after operation than before operation（84.73±7.48 vs 53.5±8.67,85.17±9.63 vs 54.6±9.51,and 85.17±9.63 vs 58.4±9.67;t=10.68,9.43 and 8.29;P＜0.05）. Conclusion Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture are effective against osteochondral lesions of talus with few traumas and complications,thus beneficial for the early functional exercises of ankle joints.