It's the job of every physician to assess patients for risk factors that predict future outcomes. Doing so helps doctors guide patients in the direction of reducing those risks and preventing future problems. In the case of the orthopedic surgeon, patients undergoing surgery have the additional risk of potential complications during or following the procedure. Once again, awareness of risk factors is important in assuring a successful operation and positive long-term results.

Years ago, surgeons asked the question: joint replacement has worked for the hip, knee, shoulder, and hand -- why not for the ankle? It could spare ankle motion and would certainly be better than a fusion with no motion. But early attempts failed. The ankle is just so much more complex in its biomechanical design than even the shoulder.

Fragments of bone loose in a joint is a problem called osteochondritis. Improved technology in the area of imaging such as CT scans, MRIs, and arthroscopic exam has brought it to our attention that these osteochondral lesions occur in the ankle more often than we thought. That's why the authors of this article thought it might be time to bring us current information about osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Fragments of bone loose in a joint is a problem called osteochondritis. The talus is a bone in the ankle between the calcaneus (heel) and the two bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula). Sometimes the talus is referred to as the anklebone but really there are many bones that work together to form ankle motion.

Ankle replacements were first attempted in the 1970s with mixed results. The failure rate was high and interest declined. But improved designs and better ways to hold the implant in place have turned that around. New understanding of ankle biomechanics and motion has also helped scientists develop a more successful second-generation total ankle arthroplasty (replacement).

It sounds like you have a condition called osteochondritis or osteochondral lesion of the talus. A corner of the talus breaks off and becomes a loose fragment of bone in the ankle joint. Trauma is the main reason why a corner of the talus breaks off and enters the joint space.

Years ago, surgeons asked the question: joint replacement has worked for the hip, knee, shoulder, and hand -- why not for the ankle? It could spare ankle motion and would certainly be better than a fusion with no motion. But early attempts failed. The ankle is just so much more complex in its biomechanical design than even the shoulder.

How about all of the above? The rule of thumb when treating a sprained ankle (or wrist or knee, for that matter) is to follow R-I-C-E.
R = Rest the ankle
I = Ice the ankle
C = Compress the ankle (using a bandage, tape or even a brace)
E = Elevate the ankle

Sprained ankles are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries - they make up about a quarter of all sports injuries. And, as you know, you don't have to be in a sport to sprain your ankle.

Almost everyone has either sprained an ankle or knows someone who has. It's one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Most people recover well from sprained ankles, but about 10 percent to 40 percent end up with some problems, such as chronic instability, which can make it easier to sprain your ankle again.