Clinical Outcome After Episealer Talus Implant in Treatment of Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus

Inclusion Criteria: * Osteochondral lesion (both primary and secondary lesions) ⌀ 10-15 mm on the medial or lateral talar dome * age between 18 and 65 years * BMI \< 35 * patients who have given their willingness to reach the Institute for checkups. * patients previously treated with conservative therapies, which proved unsuccessful Exclusion Criteria: * non-focal defect * on-going infection in the ankle joint * inflammatory arthritis or radiographic osteoarthritis in the ankle joint (=no joint space narrowing) Osteophytes without joint space narrowing (=Gr1 (van Dijk classification)) is not a contra indication. * sensitivity to cobalt-chrome alloys and titanium materials * inadequate bone stock where the Episealer is to be inserted * existing prosthesis in the area of treatment or opposing surface * osteochondral lesion on opposing tibial surface * pain of unknown etiology * demineralised bone * instability. Instability is defined as recurrent giving way with or without laxity * severe malalignment in the ankle joint \>5 degrees malalignment as compared to the contralateral ankle joint, as measured on the standing X-Ray * Ipsilateral symptomatic foot, knee or hip disease which affects the mobility of the patient * other diseases or medication that may affect the bone anchoring of the Episealer * uncooperative patient that is not willing to follow instructions * muscular insufficiency * vascular insufficiency * medical, hormonal, hematological, immunological or metabolic illnesses * Smoking * Pregnancy * Diabetes