Return to Sport and Performance After Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Ankle in Elite Athletes: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Osteochondral lesions of the ankle (OLA) often occur in athletes, necessitating a focus on sport outcomes such as return to sports (RTS) and return to performance (RTP). Only a few studies have evaluated sports outcomes after treatment of an osteochondral lesion in the athletic population, let alone in an elite athlete population.

PURPOSE: To assess RTS and RTP rates and times after treatment of OLA in elite athletes.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

All elite athletes treated for an OLA were selected from a cross-sectional database consisting of consecutive patients with cartilage injuries of the ankle until August 2022. Outcomes included RTS outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, and a quantitative assessment regarding mental health.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients, with a median age of 22 years (interquartile range [IQR], 19-25 years), were included, with a median follow-up time of 48 months (IQR, 35-71 months). Six patients (24%) underwent nonoperative treatment, and 19 patients (76%) underwent operative treatment. Nonoperative treatment yielded RTS rates of 83% at any level, 67% at the preinjury level, and 67% for RTP. For operative treatment, these rates were 100%, 74%, and 63%, respectively. The median time to return to preinjury level was 7.5 months overall.

CONCLUSION

The different treatment options for OLAs allowed for adequate RTS and RTP outcomes. Overall, an RTS rate of 96% at any level, a return to the preinjury level of 72%, and an RTP of 64% were found. These sport-specific outcomes can inform athletes about their expected outcomes after different treatments for OLAs.