Avascular necrosis of the talus causing meniscoid lesions in the ankle joint: a case report

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the talus is a challenging condition to treat, and is usually associated with major disabilities in patients. Fracture of the talus is the most common cause of AVN, accounting for up to 75% of cases [1]. Anatomically, the talus is predisposed to ischemia due to its particular blood supply [2]. Complications of AVN can lead to serious disabilities, especially when associated with talar dome collapse, ankle degenerative changes, arthritis, instability, and pain [3]. Meniscoid lesions have been reported in chronic ankle injuries, especially in soccer athletes, causing soft-tissue impingement and pain [4]. In this case report, we present a rare case of a meniscoid lesion in the ankle presenting as a long-term sequela of traumatic AVN of the talus, and satisfactory recovery of the patient following arthroscopic treatment.

Meniscoid lesions in the ankle were first reported in the literature by Wolin et al. in 1950 [5]. Since then, most reported cases have been in professional soccer players as a result of repetitive extreme ankle dorsiflexion [4]. Other sports that have been outlined are dance and gymnastics, in which athletes do not use footwear [6]. Acute injuries have been shown to lead to residual ankle weakness and instability with a higher risk of recurrent injuries, turning acute injuries into more chronic injuries. Meniscoid lesions formed in the anterior ankle can potentially cause soft tissue impingement syndrome. This is caused by soft tissue hypertrophy and secondary fibrosis of tissue, which then becomes trapped between the talus and malleolus [7]. We have not found any reports in the literature of meniscoid lesions in the ankle joint as a long-term sequela of avascular necrosis of the talus. In 1991, Gächter and Gerber [8] identified a condition they called plica syndrome, which is a meniscoid lesion developing following a posttraumatic event. In most cases, concomitant chronic synovitis is not resolved by conservative treatment [7]. McCarrol et al. [4] advocate arthroscopy as a means of removing meniscus-like tissue found in the ankle, followed by a short rehabilitation program. Studies show successful results after a 2-year follow-up period. In our case, we followed a similar protocol, although our patient presented concomitant degenerative changes. In our patient, the talar AVN caused a collapse of the talar dome, leading to degenerative changes in both the ankle and subtalar joints, as well as a shortening of the affected limb. AVN of the talus in children is rare. Schmidt et al. [9] reported that the incidence varies between 0.01% and 0.08%. Our patient was 8 years old when he sustained accidental ankle trauma caused by a fall from a height. Given his age, the talus was not fully developed, and we know from the research of Rammelt et al. [10] that children are more prone to AVN than adults. Treatment of talar AVN is complex, especially when combined with a collapse of the talar dome and body and with subsequent subtalar and ankle osteoarthritis, as in our case. Tibiotalar fusion is considered the gold standard treatment for late-stage ankle arthritis in young and active patients [11] and has shown reliable results in osteonecrosis [1]. According to Dhillon et al. [12], in the post-collapse stage, some salvage options such as subtalar, Blair’s tibiotalar, tibiocalcaneal, tibiotalocalcaneal, or Blair’s fusion, are viable options. Furthermore, talar replacement is another possible option with promising results [13, 14], whereas standard total ankle arthroplasty is usually contraindicated in talar AVNs [11].

In this case report, we present a case of an unstable preexisting meniscoid lesion accompanied by an unstable ossicle as the long-term sequela of AVN of the talus. This case initially developed in childhood and became more symptomatic in adulthood. Both lesions led to fibrous and osseous impingements that were removed arthroscopically. The treatment was a success, with the patient complaining of only very rare pain and swelling at the 2-year follow-up. This result supports the role of arthroscopy in symptomatic meniscoid lesions in the ankle joint as a first line of surgical treatment. However, for later end-stage ankle arthritis, more invasive measures such as tibiotalar fusion may be needed.