Ankle Arthroscopy With Microfracture for Osteochondral Defects of the Talus

Abstract

Therapeutic arthroscopy with microfracture leads to fibrocartilaginous repair and is an effective treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. A full diagnostic arthroscopy is performed, and then attention is turned to the osteochondral defect. We describe in detail patient positioning, ankle distraction, portal placement, steps of the diagnostic arthroscopy, and the technique of microfracture. We then discuss the special considerations to be taken regarding the use of a distractor, protection of neurovascular structures, and the indications for microfracture.