Classification and Treatment of Severe Ankle Articular Segment Deficits: Osteochondral Allograft Reconstruction

Injuries to the ankle joint may lead to articular deficits involving the talar dome, tibial plafond, or both. Conventional surgical treatment of these injuries includes ankle arthrodesis and total ankle prosthetic arthroplasty; however, there are inherent problems with these procedures when performed in young patients. Osteochondral allograft transplantation is an alternative treatment option for segmental or diffuse articular segment deficits of the ankle joint. The use of osteochondral allografts, including donor characteristics, surgical options, and clinical results, is discussed.