Accuracy of arthroscopic assessment of anterior ankle cartilage lesions.

Abstract

The accuracy of arthroscopic evaluation of the size of an osteochondral lesion in the ankle joint was assessed in 10 cadaver feet. A rectangular osteochondral defect was created in the anterior part of the talus. A 5 mm 30 degrees arthroscope was utilized for evaluation of the size of the lesion from an anterior midline portal under carbon dioxide. The size of the defect averaged 77.2 +/- 31 mm2 (24-10(8) mm2). The difference between area of the defect and measurement of three independent investigators averaged 52%, 49% and 49%, respectively. The assessment of the size of an osteochondral lesion in the ankle joint based on arthroscopy implicates over- and underestimation of the defect.