[Ankle cartilage repair : Therapeutic options, results and technical aspects]

Therapeutic strategies for cartilage repair of the talus are varied. With the use of biologic scaffolds and biologic agents new cell-based therapies have become the focus of attention.

Ankle cartilage repair techniques are presented and assessed by current data. In addition, technical notes for each technique are given.

Currently, the following established ankle cartilage repair procedures exist: microfracturing, AMIC (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), OCT (osteochondral transplantation, mosaicplasty), allograft transplantation.

The success of each repair technique is dependent on the proper indication, addressing of co-morbidities like axis deviation or ligament instabilities, the experience of the surgeon and the appropriate rehabilitation. Mid- and long-term results are often good or excellent. Best results are seen in isolated cartilage defects without co-morbidities in patients younger than 40 years of age and non-smokers with normal BMI and early intervention. New cell-based therapies utilize scaffolds and biologic agents. They offer promising perspectives, although current data is inconsistent.