Symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talar dome (OLTD) represent a real therapeutic challenge. In the absence of appropriate treatment, these lesions can evolve into tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Stage 3 lesion of the SFA classification and resistant to medical non-operative treatment may require surgical treatment. The results of the membrane-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) technique in the knee have been previously reported. At the ankle, few publications exist. Our objective was to evaluate clinical results of the AMIC® technique.

AMIC® technique is clinically effective for the treatment of LODT with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after surgery.

This was a multicenter (5 centers) retrospective study including patients operated on for an OLTD stage 3 of SFA between January 2019 and March 2021 using the AMIC® technique with a ChondroGide® membrane. A functional assessment by questionnaire (AOFAS, EFAS, FFI scores), clinical (VAS) and return to sport were carried out.

21 patients (10 men and 11 women), aged 16–69 years (mean age 34 years) were included. The average follow-up was 34 months (min 12 months; max 72 months). The average loss of substance was 1.83 cm² (min 0.6 cm²; max 6 cm²). The results showed a significant improvement in the AOFAS functional score which went on average from 71 [CI = 64; 77] to 90 [CI = 82; 97], EFAS which went from 15 [CI = 10; 20] to 32 [CI = 10; 20] = 26; 38], FFI which went from 28% [CI = 19%; 38%] to 10% [CI = 2%; 18%] and the EVA which decreased by 4 [CI = 3.9; 4.7] to 1 [CI = 0.5; 2.4]. 60% of patients returned to sport at the same level and 80% of patients were satisfied with the surgery.

AMIC® method improved the functional results of patients with SFA stage 3 OLTD at an average follow-up of 34 months post-operatively.

IV; retrospective observational cohort study.