What is it?
An osteochondral lesion is an area of damage to the smooth cartilage on top of the talus (the main ankle bone) and the bone just beneath it. It is often found when ankle pain continues long after a sprain.
What causes it?
- A twisting injury, sprain or fracture of the ankle.
- Sometimes no clear injury, when the blood supply to a small area of bone is affected.
Common symptoms
- A deep, aching pain inside the ankle, often worse with activity.
- Swelling.
- Catching, locking or clicking.
- Stiffness.
How is it diagnosed?
Ordinary X-rays can miss these injuries, so an MRI or CT scan is usually needed to see the size and position of the damage.
Things you can do now
- Reduce high-impact activities such as running and jumping while it settles
- Keep fit with cycling or swimming
- Use simple pain relief if needed
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, symptoms and goals. Depending on your situation, it may include a period of rest or protected weight bearing in a boot, physiotherapy, injections, keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery to clean the area and encourage healing and cartilage repair or grafting techniques for larger lesions.
Mr Jeyaseelan will talk you through the options that are right for you at your consultation.
When to see a specialist
- Ankle pain continues deep in the joint weeks after a sprain
- The ankle catches, locks or swells after activity
- An MRI scan has shown a cartilage injury
What to expect
Some small lesions settle without surgery. Persistent or larger lesions often do well with keyhole surgery, followed by a gradual return to activity over several months.
Common questions
Where can I see a specialist about cartilage injury of the talus (osteochondral lesion) in London?
Mr Lucky Jeyaseelan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises only in the foot and ankle, sees private and insured patients with cartilage injury of the talus (osteochondral lesion) at Align Orthopaedics on Harley Street, The London Clinic on Devonshire Place, HCA London Bridge Hospital, HCA UK at The Shard, HCA UK City of London on Old Broad Street and The Holly Hospital in Buckhurst Hill, Essex. See all clinic locations or request an appointment.
Do I need a GP referral?
Self-funding patients can book directly, though a GP letter is helpful. Most insurers need a GP referral before they authorise your consultation, so check with yours first.
This information is general and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Your diagnosis and treatment plan will be tailored to you.