Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018
Osteochondral lesions of the talus: are there any differences between osteochondral and chondral types?
Gi Won Choi1, Woo Jin Choi, Hyun Kook Youn
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Background:
Among the types of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs), the osteochondral and chondral types make up the majority of OLTs. There is a possibility that between these two types of lesions, the clinical outcomes and characteristics may differ.
Purpose:
This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes, demographics, and characteristics of osteochondral- and chondral-type lesions of OLTs.
Study Design:
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.
Methods:
The authors retrospectively analyzed 298 ankles that underwent arthroscopic marrow-stimulating procedures for OLTs between 2001 and 2009 that had been arthroscopically determined as either chondral type (210 ankles) or osteochondral type (88 ankles). Clinical outcomes, demographics, and characteristics of the lesions were compared.
Results:
The age distribution showed that the chondral type reached its peak in patients in their 50s, whereas the osteochondral type had a peak distribution for those in their 20s. The average duration of symptoms was greater in the chondral type (28.3 months; range, 7-240 months) than in the osteochondral type (14.4 months; range, 8-120 months) (P < .001). With regard to the characteristics of the lesions, differences only existed in the combined intra-articular lesions between the two types. Subchondral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 3.71; 95% CI, 1.61-8.55; P = .001) and soft tissue impingement (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.10-3.03; P = .021) were more frequently present in the chondral type. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain showed significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative scores in both groups. However, the preoperative and postoperative VAS and AOFAS scores did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusion:
Differences were found with age distribution, duration of symptoms, and combined intra-articular lesions between the osteochondral- and chondral-type lesions of OLTs. We achieved similar successful clinical outcomes in both types of lesions using arthroscopic marrow stimulating procedures, such as microfracture or abrasion arthroplasty.
Related Concept Videos
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Ankle Joint
Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are functionally classified as a synarthrosis or immobile joint, an amphiarthrosis or slightly moveable joint, or as a diarthrosis, a freely moveable joint. Fibrous and cartilaginous joints can be functionally classified as either synarthroses or amphiarthroses, whereas all synovial joints are classified as diarthroses.
Synarthrosis
An immobile...
Structural Classification of Joints
A fibrous joint is where the adjacent bones are united by fibrous connective...
Classification of Bones
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

