Autologous Osteochondral Transplantation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Does Gender Impact Outcomes?

CATEGORY: Ankle; Arthroscopy INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is commonly used in the treatment of osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the talus. There is limited data comparing gender differences in the incidence, presentation, and outcomes following AOT. The purpose of this study is to compare these differences between male and female patients. METHODS: Eighty-five consecutive patients who underwent AOT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on gender. Demographic data and OCL defect characteristic data were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed pre- and post-operatively using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score was used to assess cartilage incorporation. The mean clinical follow-up was 47.2 months, with mean MRI follow-up of 24.8 months. RESULTS: Fifty-five (65%) males and 30 (35%) females were included. OCL defect size was significantly larger in men (112.8mm2) when compared with women (88.7mm2) (p<0.0001). Male patients had a significantly longer duration of symptoms (p<0.001) and OCLs were more likely traumatic in nature (p=0.0006) when compared with female patients. Mean FAOS improved pre- to postoperatively from 50 to 81(P < .001) with a statistically significant increase in men (p<0.0001). The mean MOCART score was 82.1 and 86.7 in male and female patients, respectively (p<0.0001). Lesion size was negatively correlated with MOCART score (r = -0.36,P = .004). No differences were found in knee donor site morbidity, complication rate, or revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that male patients typically present with talar OCLs that are larger in size, traumatic in nature, and with longer symptom duration when compared with female patients. In addition, male patients had greater improvement in FAOS scores following AOT. Therefore, understanding these differences may influence the management and treatment of talar OCLs in male and female patients.