Dr.karnav Panchal is a specialist in knee, hip, shoulder and elbow related problems. After completing his M.S. in orthopedics at B.J. Medical College, one of the prestigious institutes in India, he has been trained in the fields of joint replacement surgeries and sports injuries at Mumbai and South Korea.
You may be suffering from an Osteochondral Injury of the Talus (OCD) — a condition where the bone and cartilage of the ankle joint are damaged, often after trauma like a sprain, twist, or fall. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic ankle pain, swelling, stiffness, and early arthritis.
Dr. Karnav Panchal, an experienced orthopedic surgeon in Ahmedabad, specializes in diagnosing and treating osteochondral lesions of the talus using advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and cartilage restoration techniques.
The talus is the ankle bone that connects the leg to the foot. An osteochondral injury refers to damage to both the cartilage (osteo = bone, chondral = cartilage) and the underlying bone surface of the talus, typically within the ankle joint.
These injuries are often called:
Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus (OLT)
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Talar Dome Lesions
Twisting ankle injuries or sprains (most common)
Fall from a height
Repetitive microtrauma in athletes
Ankle fractures
Chronic instability or ligament laxity
Deep or persistent ankle pain (especially during weight-bearing)
Swelling around the ankle
Locking, catching, or clicking sensation
Stiffness or limited ankle movement
Pain worsens with sports or prolonged walking
Ankle instability or sense of giving way
Symptoms may develop weeks to months after the injury, making early diagnosis essential.
Accurate diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination for joint tenderness, swelling, or instability
X-rays to rule out fractures
MRI scan for evaluating cartilage damage, lesion depth, and bone involvement
CT scan (in some cases) to assess lesion size and location
For small, stable lesions or early-stage injuries:
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medications
Immobilization in a brace or boot
Physiotherapy to maintain joint strength and balance
PRP or stem cell injections (in select cases)
✅ Works best in early cases without significant cartilage or bone damage.
Recommended for larger lesions, unstable fragments, or failed conservative management.
Minimally invasive “keyhole” surgery
Damaged cartilage is cleaned, and small holes are created to stimulate new cartilage growth
✅ Effective for small to moderate lesions
Transfers cartilage and bone plugs from a non-weight-bearing joint area to the damaged talus
Ideal for larger or cystic lesions
Cartilage cells are harvested, cultured in a lab, and re-implanted into the lesion
Long-term cartilage restoration technique
If the cartilage and bone fragment is displaced but intact, it may be fixed with screws or bio-anchors
Relieve chronic ankle pain
Restore normal joint movement and function
Prevent early arthritis or joint degeneration
Enable safe return to sports and physical activity
Improve quality of life and long-term ankle health
You may need surgical treatment if:
Pain persists for more than 2–3 months despite rest and therapy
Imaging shows moderate to large lesions or instability
You’re an athlete or active adult
You’ve had multiple sprains or ankle trauma
The lesion is causing locking, catching, or joint damage
✅ Specialized in foot & ankle injuries and sports trauma
✅ Expertise in arthroscopic cartilage preservation surgery
✅ Advanced imaging and diagnostics
✅ Tailored treatment plans based on lesion size and patient activity level
✅ Trusted across Ahmedabad and Gujarat for complex ankle conditions
Conservative care: 4–6 weeks of immobilization + rehab
Arthroscopic microfracture: Non-weight bearing for 4–6 weeks, full recovery in ~3–4 months
Cartilage grafting or ACI: 3–6 months recovery with staged rehab
Return to sports: ~4–9 months depending on procedure and healing
Dr. Karnav Panchal operates in Ahmedabad’s top orthopedic hospitals equipped with:
Robotic-assisted surgery systems (where available)
Computer-navigated instruments
Infection-controlled surgical suites
Dedicated rehab and physiotherapy units
Minimal access surgical tools for microplasty
Dr. Karnav Panchal operates at top orthopedic hospitals in Ahmedabad, equipped with:
Advanced arthroscopy systems
Sterile surgical environments
Dedicated sports rehab facilities
Patient-centered care teams
From Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot, Bhuj, and nearby states like Rajasthan & MP, patients trust Dr. Karnav Panchal for expert care in sports injuries and shoulder surgery.
Small, stable lesions may heal with rest and therapy. Larger or unstable lesions typically need surgery.
If you have ankle pain, stiffness, or clicking that won’t go away after a sprain, imaging like MRI is needed.
A technique where small holes are made in the bone to stimulate new cartilage growth. It’s minimally invasive and effective for early lesions.
Yes. Most patients can return to sports after healing and rehab, especially if treated early and correctly.
Untreated lesions can lead to chronic pain, repeated ankle sprains, and early arthritis of the ankle joint.
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