Posterosuperior osteochondritis of the calcaneus

Osteochondritis of the posterosuperior area of the talocalcaneal surface is a relatively uncommon injury, and only 1 case has been described in the literature. We present a 37-year-old man who complained of pain in the tarsal canal area during walking and when standing up. The magnetic resonance imaging study showed an osteochondral signal in the posterosuperior medial area of the calcaneus on the talocalcaneal surface. The persistence of pain and lack of improvement with conservative treatment made arthroscopic debridement of the injury necessary. The arthroscopic procedure was performed through 2 medial portals, made under fluoroscopy, marked with needles, and dissected with mosquito clamps, and the affected surface could be fully visualized, showing a chondral lesion. Debridement of the osteonecrotic area was performed, and the Steadman technique was used on the injured bone surface. The patient was pain-free, and limited activity (i.e., standing up and walking without symptoms) was allowed. After 24 months, the patient remains asymptomatic with weight-bearing working activities and when standing. Arthroscopic curettage and scission of the injury have been shown to yield good or excellent outcomes in 75% to 80% of patients with regard to the talar surface.