A recent study examined the functional and magnetic resonance imaging MRI outcomes in patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture to treat osteochondral lesions of the distal tibial plafond, which are not as common as talar lesions. The procedure was performed on 31 ankles. After following up with patients after an average of 44 months, the studys authors found that arthroscopic microfracture brought about functional improvements.
For example, significant improvements were seen in the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score FAOS and the Short Form-12 SF-12 general health questionnaire. However, older patients had worse functional outcomes compared to their younger counterparts. MRI outcomes, which were assessed using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue MOCART score, also deteriorated with age and were negatively affected by larger lesion size. The studys authors concluded that even though arthroscopic microfracture brought about improvements in patients with osteochondral lesions of the distal tibial plafond, this procedure may not be the best treatment for this condition. In fact, the studys authors said they were uncertain what the best treatment option may be.
From the article of the same title Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American 10/15/14 Vol. 96, No. 20, P. 1708 Ross, Keir A.; Hannon, Charles P.; Deyer, Timothy W.; et al.
via This Week @ ACFAS.
