Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus (OLT): Grading, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Osteochondral lesion of the talus, also known as OLT, is a disorder, which consists of a section of damaged cartilage. There is also a bone on top of the talus. It is also termed as Osteochondritis Dissecans of the talus. This condition is commonly seen with traumatic injuries like acute ankle sprain; although, the ankle joint misalignment due to chronic overuse also can lead to this condition. A sprain can also lead to osteochondral fractures but such fractures generally are not able to be detected. After the sprain is treated, there is improvement to some degree, but is still continues to be bothersome with development of pain and swelling after activity. After detailed investigations, the large fractures are noted on x-rays. Apart from this, MRI scans, isotopic bone scans, and CT are also useful in detecting very small lesions.

Osteochondral lesions are graded from I to V, I referring to minimal severity and V referring to maximum severity

1. Subchondral fracture.
2. 1. Chondral fracture.
   2. Subchondral cyst.
3. Chondral fractures with separated fragments but are nondisplaced.
4. Chondral fractures with both separated and displaced fragments.

• This condition usually is asymptomatic and is diagnosed only on MRI, which may be done for a different medical condition altogether.
• Painful ankle.
• Presence of swelling.
• Locking of the joint.
• Joint stiffness.

• Ankle sprain is the root cause of such lesions.
• Falling heavily on the ankle.
• Severe ankle injury.
• Chronic ankle overload

• Conservative treatment is the mainstay of treatment for Grade I and II lesions i.e. therapy and exercise.
• Application of ice provides pain relief.
• Patient should maintain a nonweightbearing status.
• Exercises such as cycling and swimming which are gentle to the joint are useful in retaining fitness and mobility of the ankle.
• NSAIDs can also be given for swelling and pain relief.
• If grade I and II injuries do not heal within three months, then surgery becomes essential.
• For Grade III and IV injuries, arthroscopic surgery of the ankle is necessary for removal of the fragments which become separated..
• Patient needs to undergo a rehab program with emphasis on stretching and strengthening to regain mobility, flexibility, balance, and range of motion of the ankle.

References:

Also Read:

• What is Osteochondral Defect: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
• What Leads To Osteochondritis Dissecans & Can It Be Cured?
• Is Osteochondritis Dissecans A Serious Condition & Can It Be Reversed?
• Is Osteochondritis Dissecans Hereditary & Is It A Chronic Disease?