Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation using tissue harvested from the iliac crest is used to treat large cystic osteochondral lesions of the talus. This study is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between patients undergoing AOPT and those undergoing AOCT for large cystic OLTs.

From March 2015 to March 2018, 23 patients who underwent AOPT and 23 patients who underwent AOCT to treat large cystic OLTs (>10mm) were retrospectively evaluated. For comparability, the two groups were matched based on their demographics, including sex, age, body mass index, side of injury, follow-up period, and the preoperative cyst volume. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the Tegner score. Donor-site morbidity was recorded according to the symptoms, including pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score, and the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score was obtained during second-look surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• presence of medial large cystic OLTs (>10 mm in diameter) confirmed by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• patients who underwent either primary AOPT or AOCT

Exclusion Criteria:

• small cystic OLTs
• ankle osteoarthritis
• ankle pigmented villonodular synovitis
• prior surgery on the ipsilateral ankle
• injuries or relevant trauma to the affected ankle after surgery

Patients with symptomatic OLTs who underwent AOPT or AOCTvat our sports medicine institute between March, 2015 and March, 2018