Microfracture technique for the treatment of articular cartilage lesions of the talus

The microfracture technique is an established method for treating articular cartilage lesions of the talus. Symptomatic chondral or osteochondral lesions of grade II or higher with softening or fraying of the chondral surface or an unstable rim are indications for débridement of the lesion and use of the microfracture technique. In advanced degenerative lesions, the indication must be determined critically. In a prospective study, significant (p<0.001) improvement was observed at a mean follow-up of 5.2 years (range 3.8-6.6 years) in 23 ankles. According to the Hannover scoring system, 87% of the patients were rated as excellent or good. Results for patients older than 50 years were not inferior to those for younger patients. Results for overweight patients were significantly (p=0.03) worse compared with patients of normal weight. Magnetic resonance imaging findings revealed that filling of the defect is accomplished in the majority of cases with an inhomogeneous structure of the cartilage repair tissue and a high incidence of subchondral alterations. The microfracture technique appears to be a reliable method for treating chondral and osteochondral lesions of the talus, with good outcomes in a mid-term follow-up.