[Osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus. Results of a follow-up study]

26 of 38 surgically treated patients with Osteochondrosis dissecans of the talus underwent a follow-up-examination 4 years and 7 months in average after surgical treatment. Mechanical reasons seem to be one of the most common etiological factors. Sport activities with sprained ankles or recurrent micro-trauma of the ankle joint could be found as one of the most anamnestic answers. Most of the operatively treated patients showed a good postoperative result (congruent to 70%). The success of operation seems to be more dependent on the age of the patient than on the stage. Although signs of osteochondrosis could be seen long time postoperatively this disease leads to an osteoarthrosis only in a few cases and this seems to be more dependent on the age of the patient than on the stage. Because there is no randomised and prospective study comparing operative and non-operative treatment no exact stage dependent recommendation can be given whether the treatment should be done conservatively or surgically.