Evaluation of the efficacy of autogenous tibial periosteal bone grafting in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus and analysis of three-dimensional factors in the necrotic zone.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the clinical value of autogenous tibial periosteal bone grafting in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) and analyze the three-dimensional factors in the necrotic zone of the talus.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 patients who underwent autogenous tibial periosteal bone grafting in the Foot and Ankle Surgery Department of our hospital between September 2018 and September 2022. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Chinese Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate treatment efficacy prior to surgery and at the last follow-up. Furthermore, Mimics 21.0 software was employed to measure the three-dimensional data of the necrotic area, including surface area, volume, and depth, in order to investigate their potential impact on patient prognosis.

RESULTS: Among the 36 OLT patients who obtained complete follow-up, there were 22 males and 14 females. No complications such as surgical site infection, non-union of cartilage, post-traumatic arthritis, or donor site pain were observed. The AOFAS, VAS, and Chinese SF-36 scores of all patients at the last follow-up showed significant improvement compared to preoperative values. There was no significant correlation between the AOFAS, VAS, and Chinese SF-36 scores at the last follow-up and the depth, surface area, and volume of the necrotic zone.

CONCLUSION: The use of autogenous tibial periosteal bone grafting can safely and effectively treat Hepple V OLT. Additionally, there is no significant correlation between the three-dimensional factors of the necrotic area and the prognosis of the patients.