Arthroscopic treatment after previous failed open surgery for osteochondritis dissecans of the talus.

We report on 8 patients with persistent ankle pain after open surgery for osteochondritis dissecans of the talus. At an average of 35 months after initial surgery, arthroscopic treatment was performed in these patients. The patients had residual loose chondral and osteochondral debris at the site of the original lesion. The remaining loose cartilage was removed and abrasion of the defect to a bleeding base was performed. Follow-up of these patients at an average of 38 months showed statistically significant improvement in terms of pain, swelling stiffness, limp, and activity level.