Thread: osteochondral lesion on ankle

So I am two days post op from arthroscopic ankle surgery and microfracture surgery of my ankle. I had a 6mm osteochondral lesion on the medial side of my talus. I did some searches but didnt see anything definite on this. Anyone can share their post op experience from something similar? How long was the rehab and how long until you could resume full time athletic activity? I am NWB on crutches right now. Cant wait to get the rehab rolling. Any help much appreciated.

Hi, I don't have any advice for you, but was hoping to get some from you!

I fell while skinning 6 weeks ago, and just last week got an MRI. It shows OCD on my talus, plus oedema, plus some other fun ligament damage (sprain). The doc says no surgery, no PT, just rest it with crutches and a boot for 4 weeks or more. He says I almost broke it, but not quite. Did you have this conversation with your doc (surgery vs. non-surgical treatment)? I'm kind of surprised that his recommendation was so conservative, but I do have full range of motion and no swelling in the joint. Even without surgery, it sounds like I'm multiple months away from skiing again. Ugh.

I sent you a PM back. But just so you know - I didnt have any swelling and pretty much had full range of motion too. However, certain movements really hurt and the pain was centralized right where the defect was.

I've had micro fx. O the lateral aspect of the dome of the talus. This was about 8-10 years ago. I was non-weight bearing for about 4-6 weeks then progressive wb for a couple after that. then ROM, strength and balance programs for a couple months. My ankle is doing well and I am pain free there.

As long as you follow the program you should do well.

I've had two talar fractures/osteochondral defects. Both around the size of yours. I was unlucky in that my second fracture happened right along the fracture line of the first (i.e it looks like it just re-broke because of an incomplete union the first time around

Each time it took about 8 weeks for me to get back to ~75%, probably around 10 until I was going full speed. Aside from the time reqs for your bone to heal (~6wks), it takes some work in rehab to get your range of motion and strength back.

I'd strongly advise that you take it easy in your recovery: The talus has on the the worst vascular supplies of any bone in the body, which means it takes a lot longer to heal, and when it does heal, the union isn't nearly as solid as you'd expect in a long bone like a femur/humerus.

Husky: any surgery or just Das Boot and crutches?

I've got a bruised talus + OCD and have been NWB for a month, just spent the last few days walking around in the boot again. My ankle feels pokey / scratchy / itchy / tingly on the inside, which is a bizarre sensation and is concerning. I'm hoping to not have surgery... 2.5 months since initial injury. Going for a follow up appointment tomorrow.

Everyone: how long did you have to wait until you had surgery? I know every case is different, but the doc says to wait 4 - 5 months to see if this thing resolves on its own. If not, then we'll talk surgery. I've already had two opinions. Do I need to head to the big city to get some "real" doctoring, or does this sound reasonable?

Each time it took about 8 weeks for me to get back to ~75%, probably around 10 until I was going full speed. Aside from the time reqs for your bone to heal (~6wks), it takes some work in rehab to get your range of motion and strength back.

All,

I am 4.5 months out from original injury, 3.5 months out from stopping skiing. All my other ankle pain has pretty much stopped, and now my Talus hurts... I get a dull, achy feeling when I walk around on uneven surfaces. I'm getting a followup MRI in a few weeks.

How long to Talus bruises take to feel better? My doctor's PA said 8 months, really? Because the doc didn't answer the question. I want to feel normal again... and yep, skiing would be nice too.

In case anyone has a similar injury and is looking for answers in the future... it took a year, and now my ankle feels fine. What a fucked-up year it was... but at least I didn't have to have surgery!