Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Revisited Emerging Technologies

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are becoming an increasingly recognized source of chronic ankle pain following injury. Although, once thought to be attributed to ischemic necrosis, acute or repetitive trauma is the contemporary theory regarding their etiology. Presently, there is no clear-cut consensus among surgeons on the best algorithm to manage these challenging injuries. Arthroscopic techniques along with emerging technologies in the field of cartilage repair are becoming increasingly popular treatment modalities. These innovative methods have potential to provide a new direction for the future and deliver improved clinical outcomes. The current review discusses opinions regarding the development of these lesions and also the approach to management, including the latest surgical modalities, such as osteochondral grafts and juvenile chondrocyte implantation.