The Effectiveness of Osteochondral Autograft Transfer in the Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are common following ankle trauma. Operative treatment is often required, with osteochondral autografting frequently performed for large or cystic lesions, or following failed primary surgery. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence for osteochondral autograft transfer system (OATS) in the management of OLT. A systematic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS). Meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan, version 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020). A total of 23 studies were included. The mean modified CMS was 48.1±7.47. Fourteen studies reported preoperative and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Score (AOFAS). The aggregate mean preoperative and postoperative VAS score across 14 studies was 6.47±1.35 and 1.98±1.18, respectively. Meta-analysis of seven studies on 210 patients found that OATS resulted in a significant reduction in VAS score compared to baseline (Mean Difference {MD} -4.22, 95% Confidence Interval {CI} -4.54 to -3.90, P < 0.0001). The aggregate mean preoperative and postoperative AOFAS scores across 14 studies were 56.41±8.52 and 87.14±4.8, respectively. Based on eight studies on 224 patients, OATS resulted in a significant improvement in AOFAS score compared to baseline (MD 29.70, 95% CI 25.68 to 33.73, P = < 0.0001). Donor site pain occurred in 9% of cases. Current evidence from low-quality studies suggests that OATS is a safe and effective treatment option for OLT, though it is associated with a risk of donor site morbidity.