[Ankle cartilage repair : Therapeutic options, results and technical aspects].

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic strategies for cartilage repair of the talus are varied. With the use of biologic scaffolds and biologic agents new cell-based therapies have become the focus of attention.

OBJECTIVES: Ankle cartilage repair techniques are presented and assessed by current data. In addition, technical notes for each technique are given.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Currently, the following established ankle cartilage repair procedures exist: microfracturing, AMIC (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis), OCT (osteochondral transplantation, mosaicplasty), allograft transplantation.

DISCUSSION: The success of each repair technique is dependent on the proper indication, addressing of co-morbidities like axis deviation or ligament instabilities, the experience of the surgeon and the appropriate rehabilitation. Mid- and long-term results are often good or excellent. Best results are seen in isolated cartilage defects without co-morbidities in patients younger than 40 years of age and non-smokers with normal BMI and early intervention. New cell-based therapies utilize scaffolds and biologic agents. They offer promising perspectives, although current data is inconsistent.