OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS SPECIALIST
Foot and Ankle Specialist & Podiatric Surgeon in Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY
Osteochondral Lesions
Osteochondral lesions “OCL” or Osteochondral dissecans “OCD” are the results of damage to the cartilage that surrounds a joint, most commonly in the knee and ankle.
In the ankle, OCD lesions often go undiagnosed but ~ 70% of the population who have suffered ankle trauma, such as a sprain or fracture is suffering from one.
At Flex Foot and Ankle in the Midtown Manhattan area of New York City, dual board-certified Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle surgeon E. Giannin Perez, DPM, FACFAS, has extensive expertise in treating foot and ankle conditions. If you have continued ankle pain that it is not going away, you might be suffering from cartilage damage. Call her office or book your appointment online today.
Osteochondral Lesions Q&A
Also knows as osteochondral dessicans / OCD is damage to the bone and cartilage that lines the ankle joint. In can occur on the talar dome (bottom ankle bone) or the tibial plafond (top bone of the ankle joint).
OCD’s occur when there is trauma to the ankle joint, that could be from a sprain, fracture, dislocation, etc. The force of the injury causes a crack in the cartilage and the synovial fluid (fluid that lines your joints and make it work smoothly) can seep into the crack due to the pressure in the ankle joint that is caused with every step. After a while, a cyst can form within the bone causing pain.
X-rays are the first imaging obtained and you could see an outline (cyst) within the bone. At times, they are not very clear but an MRI might be ordered!
Treatment really depends on the size and location of the lesion. Conservative treatment is always considered first, which includes platelet rich plasma injections, bracing, physical therapy. For larger symptomatic lesions, surgical intervention is usually necessary. Surgery includes ankle arthroscopy (2 very small incisions in which a camera and shaver are inserted into the ankle) and we assess the lesion. Debridement of the lesion is performed and repair of the cartilage and cyst ensue.
To learn more about your treatment options and find relief from your ankle pain, call Flex Foot and Ankle or use the online booking tool to schedule a visit at the Midtown Manhattan office.
