Osteochondral Autograft and Allograft Transplantation in the Talus

Large, symptomatic, focal chondral, and osteochondral lesions of the ankle are treated with osteochondral autograft/allograft transplantation (OAT) procedure, a reconstructive bone grafting technique that uses one or more cylindrical osteochondral grafts from an area of low impact or allograft source and transplants them into the prepared defect site on the talus. This technique allows defects to be filled with mature, hyaline articular cartilage. Acute or chronic chondral or osteochondral lesions can be debilitating; provided here is a review of osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation. OAT shows a trend toward greater longevity and durability and improved outcomes in high-demand patients.