What is a Talar Dome Lesion?
A talar dome lesion is an injury characterized by damage to the cartilage and underlying bone in the ankle joint, which is typically caused by a traumatic injury, like a sprain or fracture.
Causes and Symptoms of a Talar Dome Lesion:
In the case of a Talar Dome Lesion, the smooth cartilage surface on top of the talus bone in the ankle is damaged, causing:
- Chronic pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle
- An occasional clicking or catching feeling in the ankle when walking
- A sensation of the ankle locking or giving out
In more sever cases, a piece of the damaged cartilage can break off and float within the joint, causing further pain and limitations in the patient’s range of motion.
Diagnosis for a Talar Dome Lesion:
Diagnosing a talar dome lesion can be done with the help of radiographs of the ankle. MRI studies are also conducive to helping your healthcare team determine the size of the lesion, the extent of bony edema and identify unstable lesions.
Treatment for a Talar Dome Lesion:
Treatment for a talar dome lesion will vary based on the severity of the injury. Your doctor will likely first explore conservative treatment efforts, encouraging rest, ice, physical therapy and immobilization to treat more mild cases of a talar dome lesion. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the damaged cartilage and bone. Surgical procedures commonly used to repair a talar dome lesion injury include:
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Microfracture
- Cartilage transplantation
If you suspect a talar dome lesion in you or a loved one, always contact your trusted healthcare provider or orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate assessment, diagnosis, and plan for treatment and rehabilitation.