Advances in Ankle Cartilage Repair.

Repair of osteochondral lesions of the talus can be difficult. Smaller lesions respond well to simple arthroscopy and microfracture, whereas larger cystic lesions may require allograft talus replacement or ankle fusions. The lesions in between are more difficult to treat. Autologous chondrocyte implantation and matrix-associated autologous chondrocyte implantation have shown promising results. Future research may include new techniques, pharmacologic intervention, and cell-based therapies, and may be better served with prospective observational studies instead of costly randomized controlled studies. A representative example of arthroscopic implantation is given.