Osteochondral lesions of the talar dome in children. A 24 (7-36) year follow-up of 13 cases.

13 patients who in childhood had had osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talar dome participated in a long-term follow-up including physical examination, computed tomography (CT) and conventional radiographs. Most of the cases were caused by trauma. Conventional radiographs showed abnormal findings in 4 cases and CT in a further one. In 3 cases the primary lesion could still be seen as an osteochondral defect, and 2 had a loose body in the joint. 3 of these 5 patients had mild symptoms. We conclude that arthrosis following OCL in childhood is infrequent and recommend conservative treatment initially. In those with persisting symptoms, additional imaging evaluation with CT and MRI is recommended.