Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of a lateral inverted osteochondral fracture of the talus ('LIFT')

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Apr 11:2018:bcr2017223441. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223441.

Abstract

Some ankle sprains hide important lesions beyond the classic lateral ligament complex injuries. The lateral inverted osteochondral fracture of the talus (LIFT) represents a rare osteochondral lesion, whose diagnosis relies on a high clinical suspicion followed by correct image study interpretation. We present a successful arthroscopic fixation of a LIFT lesion in a 45-year-old active man. At 8 months follow-up, the patient was pain free and able to return to his daily activities without limitation. The imagiological study showed osteochondral fragment consolidation with no signs of hardware failure. This midterm results reassemble the need for early diagnosis and correct treatment to achieve a good outcome in these complex and rare osteochondral lesions.

Keywords: ankle sprains; orthopaedics; sports and exercise medicine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Fractures / surgery*
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods*
  • Humans
  • Intra-Articular Fractures
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Talus / diagnostic imaging
  • Talus / injuries*
  • Talus / surgery
  • Treatment Outcome