Autologous chondrocyte implantation of the ankle: 2- to 10-year results.

Background: The treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus after failed surgery is challenging, with no clear solution. Short-term results using autologous chondrocyte implantation have been promising.

Purpose: To report the long-term outcomes of patients who underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) of the talus after failed marrow stimulation techniques for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs).

Surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

When conservative treatment is unsuccessful, there are many surgical options to treat patients with symptomatic chronic osteochondral lesions of the talus. The chosen treatment depends on the patient's symptoms, clinical examination findings, preoperative imaging results, and whether prior surgery was unsuccessful. It is important to be aware of treatment alternatives such as marrow stimulation, osteochondral autograft or allograft plugs, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and newer techniques currently being investigated outside the United States.