Transchondral talar dome fracture.

Transchondral talar dome fractures have been reported to be a cause of persisting ankle pain and a cause of delayed return to sports, due to late diagnosis and thereby often neglected treatment. Especially in athletes, these lesions--if untreated--may result in a chronic disability for sports activity. Clinical findings, the importance of new diagnostic aids, and differential treatment methods are presented, based on 39 patients with 41 osteochondral fractures seen between 1976 and 1983, with an average follow-up of 5.1 years. Twenty-two patients were treated conservatively, with good results in 12 cases and moderate results in four, six patients were lost to follow-up. Seventeen patients underwent surgery. Results were good in nine and moderate in three. Four operated patients were graded with poor results, due to limitations in their sports activity or work; one patient was lost to follow-up.