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Ankle Cartilage defects

Overview

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Ankle cartilage defects refer to areas of damage or loss of cartilage in the ankle joint. Cartilage is a smooth, elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones within joints, allowing for smooth and painless movement. When cartilage in the ankle becomes damaged or deteriorated, it can lead to pain, swelling, and limitations in joint function.

Ankle Cartilage defects ? Causes Symptoms & Treatment

Causes & Symptoms

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Ankle cartilage defects can occur due to a variety of factors, including

  • Trauma: Direct impact or repetitive stress on the ankle joint, such as from sports injuries or accidents, can cause cartilage damage.
  • Osteoarthritis: Age-related wear and tear or degenerative changes in the joint can lead to cartilage breakdown and defects.
  • Ankle Instability: Repeated ankle sprains or instability can contribute to cartilage damage over time.
  • Osteochondral Lesions: These are focal areas of damaged cartilage and underlying bone. They can occur due to trauma, osteochondritis dissecans (a condition where a piece of cartilage and bone separates from the joint surface), or other factors

Ankle cartilage defects can cause various symptoms, including

  • Pain: Pain in the ankle joint, which may be sharp, aching, or throbbing in nature.
  • Swelling: Swelling and inflammation in and around the ankle joint.
  • Stiffness: Reduced range of motion and stiffness in the ankle joint.
  • Instability: A feeling of the ankle giving way or being unstable during weight-bearing activities.
  • Joint Locking: In some cases, loose or damaged cartilage fragments can interfere with joint movement, causing locking or catching sensations.

Diagnosis and Treatment

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A combination of physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests might be used to evaluate ankle cartilage defects. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT (Computed Tomography) scans, can help assess the extent and location of the cartilage damage.

The management of ankle cartilage defects depends on various factors, including the size, location, and severity of the defect, as well as the individual's symptoms, age, and activity level. Treatment options may include:

  • Non-Surgical Treatment: Non-surgical approaches may involve activity modification, pain management, physical therapy, ankle bracing, orthotics, and use of assistive devices. These measures aim to alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and promote healing.
  • Surgical Treatment: Surgical interventions may be considered for larger or symptomatic cartilage defects. Procedures such as cartilage repair, microfracture, mosaicplasty, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), or osteochondral transplantation may be performed to stimulate cartilage regeneration, replace damaged cartilage, or restore joint surface.

Post operative care

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Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential components of the treatment process for ankle cartilage defects. Rehabilitation programs focus on reducing pain and swelling, improving ankle range of motion, strengthening the muscles around the ankle, and restoring joint stability and function.