The Comparison of the Results of Microfracture and Mosaicplasty in Talus Osteochondral Lesions.

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare the mid-term functional outcomes of microfracture and mosaicplasty techniques in talus osteochondral lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study consists of 47 patients with talus osteochondral lesions who underwent arthroscopic surgery. These patients were divided into two groups: microfracture (28 patients) and mosaicplasty (19 patients). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system was used to evaluate ankle function, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was used for pain assessment.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range 10-36 months). It was determined that the mean preoperative AOFAS score of individuals in the mosaicplasty group was 38.84±2.83, and the postoperative AOFAS score was 78.79±3.91. A statistically significant difference was found between the two measurements of AOFAS scores (preoperative and postoperative) in the mosaicplasty group (*t=33.756; p<0.001). The effect size for this difference observed in the mosaicplasty group was determined to be r=0.992 (large). Similarly, a statistically significant difference was found between the two measurements of AOFAS scores (preoperative and postoperative) in the microfracture group (*t=28.152; p<0.001). The effect size for this difference observed in the microfracture group was determined to be r=0.983 (large).

CONCLUSION

We believe that both treatment methods have similar positive effects on pain and ankle function. However, larger controlled studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to reach a definitive conclusion.