You are here:

Osteochondral injuries

What are osteochondral injuries?

OCLs (osteochondral lesions of the talus) consist of damage or minor fractures to cartilage’s surface on the lower bone of the talus (ankle joint).

This cartilage covers most of the talus, with the tibia (shin) and fibula (calf) bones above and to the sides of the talus making up the ankle joint.

The joint enables the ankle to move in a vertical plane. Injuries don’t always heal as effectively here, because of the below-average blood supply to this area of the body.

Injuries include:

  • Cartilage damage
  • Cysts in the bone under the cartilage
  • Cartilage and bone fracture

What causes osteochondral injuries?

  • Most osteochondral injuries, including ankle sprains, occur by accident. Should the damage affect the talus in addition to another part of the joint like the tibia or fibula, this can compress or scuff the talus, leading to injury
  • Long-term wear and tear can also cause injury

Osteochondral injuries

Foot & ankle consultants

Useful links

Looking to speak to our team? Call us on 020 7046 8000

To book an appointment
or refer a patient