Talar Dome Lesion (Osteochondral Defect)
Talus in the bone resting on the bottom of the ankle joint, with the talar dome being part of the ankle joint. The dome is primarily covered in cartilage- a tough rubbery tissue that enables the ankle joint to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to this cartilage, and the underlying bone. It is also known as osteochondral defect (OCD).
These dome lesions are usually caused by injury such as ankle sprain. The inability for the body to heal the dome lesion after the trauma causes further degradation of the surrounding area. Sometimes a loose piece of cartilage will break off from the dome, and float inside the joint.
Symptoms:
Unless the injury is extensive, it takes several months to a year for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include chronic pain in the ankle, which worsens with activity. The ankle joint might experience occasional clicks and catching feelings. Some patients complain of the ankle locking or giving out during range of motion. Lastly, swelling of the joint develops after activity.
For severe talar dome lesions, delayed or no treatment can cause arthritis with symptoms such as chronic pain, swelling, and limited joint motion.
Treatments:
Conservative treatment is reserved for talar dome lesions that are stable - meaning without loose pieces of cartilage or bone.
Talus in the bone resting on the bottom of the ankle joint, with the talar dome being part of the ankle joint. The dome is primarily covered in cartilage- a tough rubbery tissue that enables the ankle joint to move smoothly. A talar dome lesion is an injury to this cartilage, and the underlying bone. It is also known as osteochondral defect (OCD).
These dome lesions are usually caused by injury such as ankle sprain. The inability for the body to heal the dome lesion after the trauma causes further degradation of the surrounding area. Sometimes a loose piece of cartilage will break off from the dome, and float inside the joint.
Symptoms:
Unless the injury is extensive, it takes several months to a year for symptoms to develop. Symptoms include chronic pain in the ankle, which worsens with activity. The ankle joint might experience occasional clicks and catching feelings. Some patients complain of the ankle locking or giving out during range of motion. Lastly, swelling of the joint develops after activity.
For severe talar dome lesions, delayed or no treatment can cause arthritis with symptoms such as chronic pain, swelling, and limited joint motion.
Treatments:
Conservative treatment is reserved for talar dome lesions that are stable - meaning without loose pieces of cartilage or bone.
- Immobilization. Depending on the type of injury, the leg may be placed in a cast or cast boot to protect the talus. During this period of immobilization, non weight bearing range-of-motion exercises may be recommended.
- Oral medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy. Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are beneficial once the lesion is adequately healed. Physical therapy may also include techniques to reduce pain and swelling.
- Ankle brace. Wearing an ankle brace may help protect the patient from reinjury if the ankle is unstable.