Osteochondral lesions of Talus in unexplained chronic ankle pain

Abstract

Osteochondral lesions of the talus can present as a late complication of ankle injuries. Early and accurate diagnosis is important as talar integrity is required for optimal function of the ankle. Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OTL) are among those injuries that we should not fail to recognize, especially following any type of hind foot injury. In our study Forty patients with unexplained post traumatic chronic ankle pain were included and after thorough clinical evaluation and radiography were advised MRI Ankle to look for the possible causes of the pain. Three (7.5%) of the patients were reported as Osteochondral lesions of the talus which were initially missed as being normal on ankle radiographs. This study reveals that a high index of suspicion has to be kept for OCTs in patients with ankle pain following any hind-foot trauma.