Osteochondritis dissecans of the Talus: A report of Two Male Siblings

Abstract

Despite being first reported in the nine-teenth century, the etiology of the osteo-chondritis dissecans is still poorly understood; in addition, there has been some confusion about how this disorder can be distinguished from epiphyseal dysplasias. It has been proposed that shearing forces, injury caused by activity, immature ossification, ischemia, and genetic factors may play a role in the predilection to osteochondritis dissecans. We believe that genetic factors play a role in the etiology of osteochondritis dissecans. This report illustrates two male siblings who presented in their teen years with osteochondritis dissecans of the right medial talus. No prior family history of osteochondritis dissecans was elicited. Clinical, radiological, and arthroscopic ndings were identical in the two male siblings illustrated. Both patients had arthroscopic excision of the osteochon-dritis dissecans with microfracture to the talus. After operative intervention and physical therapy, both patients report good results with regards to range of motion with no pain elicited in the right ankle joint at 6 month follow. These ndings support a possible genetic etiology of osteochondritis dissecans.