Background: Symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talar dome (OLTD) represent a real therapeutic challenge. In the absence of appropriate treatment, these lesions can evolve into tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Stage 3 lesion of the SFA classification and resistant to medical non-operative treatment may require surgical treatment. The results of the membrane-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) technique in the knee have been previously reported. At the ankle, few publications exist. Our objective was to evaluate clinical results of the AMIC® technique.
Hypothesis: AMIC® technique is clinically effective for the treatment of LODT with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after surgery.
Material and method: This was a multicenter (5 centers) retrospective study including patients operated on for an OLTD stage 3 of SFA between January 2019 and March 2021 using the AMIC® technique with a ChondroGide® membrane. A functional assessment by questionnaire (AOFAS, EFAS, FFI scores), clinical (VAS) and return to sport were carried out.
Results: 21 patients (10 men and 11 women), aged 16-69 years (mean age 34 years) were included. The average follow-up was 34 months (min 12 months; max 72 months). The average loss of substance was 1.83 cm2 (min 0.6 cm2; max 6 cm2). The results showed a significant improvement in the AOFAS functional score which went on average from 71 [CI = 64; 77] to 90 [CI = 82; 97], EFAS which went from 15 [CI = 10; 20] to 32 [CI = 10; 20] = 26; 38], FFI which went from 28% [CI = 19%; 38%] to 10% [CI = 2%; 18%] and the EVA which decreased by 4 [CI = 3.9; 4.7] to 1 [CI = 0.5; 2.4]. 60% of patients returned to sport at the same level and 80% of patients were satisfied with the surgery.
Discussion: AMIC® method improved the functional results of patients with SFA stage 3 OLTD at an average follow-up of 34 months post-operatively.
Level of evidence: IV; retrospective observational cohort study.