Persistent ankle pain, swelling, or a clicking sensation after an injury could indicate an osteochondral lesion (OCL) of the ankle—a condition involving damage to the cartilage and underlying bone. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for osteochondral lesions in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.
OCLs often develop following ankle trauma such as sprains or sports injuries and can worsen over time if left untreated. Whether your symptoms are mild or more advanced, Dr. Fallis offers comprehensive care options—from non-surgical therapies to minimally invasive arthroscopy and advanced cartilage restoration procedures. Patients across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati rely on his expertise to relieve pain, restore joint function, and get back to an active lifestyle.
Osteochondral Lesions (OCL) of the Ankle
The tibia and the fibula bones of the lower leg join with the talus bone to form the ankle joint. The talus bone is an important bone located between the tibia and fibula and the heel bone (calcaneus). OCL or OCD is the damage to the cartilage and the talus bone of the ankle joint. Usually, the inner or the medial portion of the ankle is affected.
Causes of OCL of the Ankle
OCL may be genetic or may be caused due to trauma, stress fractures in sports, severe sprain, local osteonecrosis, etc.
Symptoms of OCL of the Ankle
OCL lesions are sometimes asymptomatic. Large lesions are associated with symptoms such as localized ankle pain and discomfort which worsens while walking or running, a clicking or popping sound, swelling, tenderness, weakness of the foot, etc.
Diagnosis of OCL of the Ankle
Osteochondral lesions are diagnosed by physical examination, X-ray, CT and MRI scans. Plain X-ray images can reveal other fractures, bone spurs, and narrowing of the joint. A CT scan helps identify any bony fragments but is not very helpful to visualize bone oedema or cartilage defects. MRI is the best imaging modality, which helps to visualize the cartilage and bone lesions as well as bone oedema.
Treatment of OCL of the Ankle
Non-surgical Method
Small lesions can be treated non-surgically involving the use of a cast, physical therapy, pain medications, strengthening exercises, etc.
Arthroscopy
An arthroscope is a narrow tube with a tiny video camera on one end. The structures inside the ankle are visible to your surgeon on a monitor in the operating room. Your doctor treats OCL by removing the damaged tissue followed by microfracture, which enables natural healing of the damaged bone and cartilage.
OATS Procedure
Large lesions are treated by the OATS procedure. OATS of the ankle is a surgical procedure to treat Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus (OCL) or Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD). It involves the transfer of healthy cartilage to replace the damaged cartilage and restore the normal function of the foot. The cartilage can be taken from your ankle joint (autograft) for smaller defects. An allograft (graft from a donor) is considered as large defects. During an OATS procedure, multiple, tiny plugs of healthy bone and cartilage are transferred in a pattern that resembles a mosaic, hence, the procedure is also known as mosaicplasty.
Prevention of OCL of the Ankle
OCL of the ankle can be prevented by:
- Learning proper techniques in sports
- Minimizing overuse activities
- Practicing strength training exercises
Why Choose Dr. Bryan Fallis for Osteochondral Lesions (OCL) Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Osteochondral lesions require precise diagnosis and specialized care to protect long-term joint health. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM delivers personalized treatment plans based on the size, severity, and cause of your lesion.
Here’s why patients in Ft. Mitchell and Cincinnati choose Dr. Fallis:
- Board-Certified Expertise: Specialized in complex ankle conditions and cartilage injuries
- Advanced Imaging & Diagnosis: X-rays, CT scans, and MRI for accurate assessment
- Conservative Treatment Options: Casting, therapy, and medications for smaller lesions
- Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy: Effective treatment with smaller incisions and faster recovery
- Advanced Cartilage Restoration: OATS (mosaicplasty) procedures for larger or severe lesions
- Personalized Rehabilitation Plans: Focused on restoring strength, mobility, and stability
- Convenient Locations: Serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Dr. Fallis is committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and improved ankle function.
Osteochondral Lesions (OCL) of the Ankle FAQs
What is an osteochondral lesion of the ankle?
It is damage to the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus, often caused by injury or repetitive stress.
What are the symptoms of OCL?
Symptoms may include ankle pain, swelling, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds, and weakness.
How is OCL diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a physical exam and imaging such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, with MRI being most effective for cartilage evaluation.
Can OCL heal without surgery?
Small lesions may heal with conservative treatments like immobilization, therapy, and medications.
What surgical treatments are available?
Options include arthroscopy with microfracture and OATS (cartilage transfer) procedures for larger lesions.
What happens if OCL is left untreated?
Untreated lesions can worsen, leading to chronic pain, joint damage, and arthritis.
Osteochondral Lesion Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Don’t ignore ongoing ankle pain or instability—get expert care today. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM provides advanced treatment for osteochondral lesions in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Convenient care for Northern Kentucky & Greater Cincinnati residents
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Personalized treatment plans tailored to your condition
Take the next step toward pain relief and restored ankle function—contact our office today to book your appointment.
