[Microfracture technique for treatment of osteochondral and degenerative chondral lesions of the talus. 2-year results of a prospective study].

The microfracture technique has become an established method for the treatment of chondral lesions in the knee. The aim of this study was to determine its usefulness in the treatment of osteochondral (OCL) and degenerative chondral lesions (DCL) of the talus. In a prospective study, 32 patients with an osteochondral lesion (22 patients) or degenerative chondral lesion (10 patients) were operated arthroscopically and treated with the microfracture technique. All patients were evaluated preoperatively as well as 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively with the Hannover scoring system and a visual analog score (VAS). MRI scans were performed at all points. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon sign rank-sum test with a level of significance of p < or = 0.05. At a mean follow-up of 2 years (range: 22-27 months), 23 patients (14 OCL, 9 DCL) were available for follow-up. The average age of the 17 male and 15 female patients at the time of operation was 39 years (range: 16-74 years). The results according to the Hannover scoring system were 43% excellent, 35% good, and 22% satisfactory with 93% excellent or good results for OCL. Older patients (>50 years, n=8) had slightly better results than younger patients. VAS revealed an average of 7.84 (preoperative: 3.53) for pain, 7.85 for function (preoperative; 3.38), and 7.78 for satisfaction (preoperative: 2.41). MRI and arthroscopic assessment showed a visible regeneration of the cartilage in the microfractured area. In a short-term follow-up, the microfracture technique has proven to restore severe cartilage damage with a good functional outcome. Age is not a limiting factor. However, longer-term results remain to be evaluated.