Arthroscopic treatment of talus osteochondral lesions with particulated juvenile allograft cartilage.

Abstract

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are commonly associated with traumatic injury to the ankle joint. Treatment options depend on the grade, location, and size of the lesion. Operative intervention is frequently required with initial management involving marrow stimulation techniques, such as microfracture/curettage. Larger lesions often require a secondary procedure, such as osteochondral transplantation or autologous chondrocyte implantation. The advent of particulated juvenile articular cartilage (PJAC) provides an alternative method for OLTs refractory to traditional treatments. This article describes the technique of PJAC transplantation for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. Level V, expert opinion.