Excision with Temporary Interphalangeal Joint Pin Fixation for Toe Ganglion Cysts

Background@#Toe ganglion cysts are often symptomatic and recurrent. Communicating lesions between ganglion cysts and the interphalangeal joint (IPJ) or tendon sheath make it difficult to prevent a recurrence. Temporary restriction of the joint and tendon motion can facilitate surgical site healing. This study analyzed the clinical results of temporary pin fixation of the IPJ after toe ganglion cyst excision. @*Methods@#Sixteen patients with symptomatic toe ganglion cysts underwent surgical treatment. Excision alone was initially performed on 10 patients. Six patients underwent temporary pin fixation of the IPJ after ganglion cyst excision. Repeat excision with pin fixation was performed for recurrence in two patients after excision only. Clinical evaluations and postoperative complications were analyzed. @*Results@#Fourteen of 16 toe ganglion cysts were located near the IPJ. Two cysts not adjacent to the joint completely healed after excision alone. Seven of 14 cysts near the joint recurred after initial excision alone and required repeated reoperation. Eight cysts did not recur after excision with pin fixation, including 2 that recurred after excision alone. @*Conclusions@#Temporary IPJ pin fixation after excision for ganglion cysts can be effective for preventing the recurrence of ganglion cysts adjacent to toe IPJ.

Necessity of developing a disability evaluation guideline

Although doctors expend their best effort in treating their patients’ illnesses or injuries, the patients may retain some disabilities even after treatment. Accordingly, some conflicts occur between the patients’ expectations of financial compensation for their disabilities and the financial manager’s policy to efficiently distribute limited resources. The mediation of these social conflicts requires the determination of the degree of physical disability, which can be done by doctors alone. Hence, a reliable disability evaluation guideline should be established. However, currently, only a few educational programs on disability evaluation are available for doctors and there is no reliable guideline for disability evaluation.Current Concepts: There were attempts to implement the American Medical Association guideline in Korea; however, it is currently not being used efficiently because it is quite complicated and unsuited to Korean settings. Mcbride’s disability evaluation, published 60 years ago, is being used, but it is not realistic and unreasonable in Korea. To prepare a standard guideline for disability evaluation, the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences published a booklet, “Disability Evaluation Guideline: Explanation and Case Studies”, based on the American Medical Association guideline. The academy published the booklet’s revised version (2nd edition), ‘Disability evaluation guideline and utilization’, in 2016. However, Korean Academy of Medical Sciences guideline still not being used because it is too complicated to use.Discussion and Conclusion: Fair disability evaluation is a social responsibility given to doctors, and there should be a useful guideline for disability evaluation that reflects the characteristics of each medical society or association.

Necessity of developing a disability evaluation guideline

Although doctors expend their best effort in treating their patients’ illnesses or injuries, the patients may retain some disabilities even after treatment. Accordingly, some conflicts occur between the patients’ expectations of financial compensation for their disabilities and the financial manager’s policy to efficiently distribute limited resources. The mediation of these social conflicts requires the determination of the degree of physical disability, which can be done by doctors alone. Hence, a reliable disability evaluation guideline should be established. However, currently, only a few educational programs on disability evaluation are available for doctors and there is no reliable guideline for disability evaluation.Current Concepts: There were attempts to implement the American Medical Association guideline in Korea; however, it is currently not being used efficiently because it is quite complicated and unsuited to Korean settings. Mcbride’s disability evaluation, published 60 years ago, is being used, but it is not realistic and unreasonable in Korea. To prepare a standard guideline for disability evaluation, the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences published a booklet, “Disability Evaluation Guideline: Explanation and Case Studies”, based on the American Medical Association guideline. The academy published the booklet’s revised version (2nd edition), ‘Disability evaluation guideline and utilization’, in 2016. However, Korean Academy of Medical Sciences guideline still not being used because it is too complicated to use.Discussion and Conclusion: Fair disability evaluation is a social responsibility given to doctors, and there should be a useful guideline for disability evaluation that reflects the characteristics of each medical society or association.

Treatment of peripheral neuropathy: a multidisciplinary approach is necessary

The number of patients with peripheral neuropathy or neuropathic pain is increasing. The recommended treatment for peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain is proper medications, exercise, physical therapy, and support. Overly invasive interventions can be harmful rather than beneficial to patients. Many doctors do not understand the characteristics of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Peripheral neuropathy is not a problem that is confined to a particular department. The most appropriate treatment is a combination of drug therapy, physical exercise, and psychological support. Thus, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary for the effective treatment of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

Correlation between Chronic Ankle Instability and Center of Pressure Using Pedobrarograph / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Chronic ankle instability is a very common abnormality of the ankle, but there is still controversy regarding its evaluation criteria. The stress view has difficulties in reflecting the patient's symptoms and treatment progress. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the center of pressure (COP) measured by a pedobarograph and the symptoms of the patient.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic ankle instability from February to August 2018 were included. Each patient was surveyed with the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS). The COP was measured with a foot pressure scanner, and the travel distance and ellipse area of the COP were calculated. Each patient was measured on one foot and on two feet with his or her eyes closed and open. The relationship between the COP measurement and FAOS score was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS: The participants were consisted of 21 male and nine female, with a mean age of 30 years, mean weight of 72 kg, and mean foot size of 259 mm. With the eyes open, the correlation coefficient between the FAOS and travel distance of the affected side was −0.394 (p<0.05) and that between the FAOS and the ellipse area of the affected side was −0.425 (p<0.05). On the other hand, no significant correlations were found between the travel distance and ellipse area of the affected side when patients closed their eyes.CONCLUSION: Measurement of the COP using foot pressure scanner could evaluate objectively patients with chronic ankle instability, with measurements in patients with their eyes open being more significant. Based on the findings of this study, an analysis of the COP with the patients with their eyes open and standing on one foot may help determine the management strategy and assess the progress of the patients.

Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Recently, studies have demonstrated the critical role of functional rehabilitation in the treatment of ruptured Achilles tendons. Hence, conservative treatment is preferred by a growing number of surgeons seeking to treat the condition without the risk of complications from surgery. However, operative treatment is still considered as a more reliable treatment option for acute Achilles tendon rupture. In this review article, we provide an overview of recent treatment strategies for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Results of Simple Conservative Treatment of Midfoot Charcot Arthropathy

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, conservative management with an offloading orthosis, such as total contact cast (TCC), has been the standard of care for midfoot Charcot arthropathy. Considering complications of TCC and surgery, we treated midfoot Charcot arthropathy without TCC in our patients. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and radiological outcomes of conservative management of midfoot Charcot arthropathy. METHODS: A total of 34 patients (38 feet) who were diagnosed as having midfoot Charcot arthropathy between 2006 and 2014 were included. Patients started full weight bearing ambulation in a hard-soled shoe immediately after diagnosis. Outcomes such as progression of arch collapse, bony prominence, ulcer occurrence, limb amputation, and changes in Charcot stage were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 38 feet, arch collapse was observed in four while progression of bottom bump of the midfoot was observed in five feet. Foot ulcers related to bony bumps were found in two feet. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment without restriction of ambulation is recommended for midfoot Charcot arthropathy because it is rarely progressive, unlike hindfoot-ankle arthropathy. In some cases, simple bumpectomy can be required to prevent catastrophic infection.

Non-Operative Treatment for Symptomatic Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Although reports on operative treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) are increasing, to the best of our knowledge, there have been only a few reports on non-operative treatment of OLT. The purpose of this study is to report the prognosis of non-operative treatment for OLT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 104 patients (57 male, 47 female) with OLTs having a follow-up period of more than two years, between 2003 and 2013. The location, size, and stage of the OLT were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. At the final follow-up, simple radiographs confirmed the progression of osteoarthritis. We surveyed the limitations of sports activity, visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and SF-36. RESULTS: There were no patients with progression of osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. Only two patients (2.4%) complained the limitation of desired sports activity. The mean VAS significantly decreased from 4.3 (range, 0–8) to 1.1 (range, 0–4) (p<0.001). The mean AOFAS scale significantly improved from 83.3 (range, 41–100) to 92.5 (range, 65–100). Moreover, the mean SF-36 also improved from 52.6 (range, 30.0–91.0) to 72.9 (range, 40.6–97.0) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Sufficient non-operative treatment is initially recommended to OLT patients because pain, in general, improves in most cases despite the presence of symptoms. Moreover, it's worth noting that the progression to osteoarthritis is rare.

The Clinical Features of Plantar Fascia Rupture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical features of plantar fascia rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 312 patients with plantar fasciitis between March 2008 and February 2013. We investigated age, sex, site, visual analogue scale (VAS), body mass index (BMI), characteristics of pain, awareness of rupture, and duration of symptoms. Acute rupture was defined as a rupture that occurred during exercise; chronic rupture was defined as a degenerative rupture after plantar fasciitis. We investigated the frequency of acute and chronic rupture. RESULTS: Among 312 patients, 38 patients (12.2%) were diagnosed with plantar fascia rupture. Thirty-eight patients consisted of 14 men (36.8%) and 24 women (63.2%). The mean age of plantar fascia rupture was 58.29±12.54 years. The mean VAS score was 5.92 points (3~9 points). The mean BMI was 25.92±1.59 kg/m². Among the 38 patients, 2 patients had acute plantar fascia rupture and 36 had chronic plantar fascia rupture. In 34 patients—out of 36 chronic plantar fascia rupture, there were no subjective symptoms. CONCLUSION: Chronic rupture of the plantar fascia that occurred after plantar fasciitis was more common than acute rupture. Chronic rupture occurred at approximately 12% of patients treated with plantar fasciitis. In chronic rupture of the plantar fascia, there were no subjective symptoms of rupture. Therefore, we should doubt chronic rupture of plantar fascia when plantar fasciitis is prolonged.

Clinical Outcome after Early Rehabilitation according to Injury Type in Ankle Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of an operation with early rehabilitation from ankle fracture in accordance with the injury type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients (70 males and 66 females) who underwent surgery and early rehabilitation for ankle fractures between December 2008 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 47.9 years, with a range of 18~79 years. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months, with a range of 24~102 months. All patients were classified in accordance with the Lauge Hansen classification and anatomic fracture site. Moreover, the presence of ligament injuries were documented. A short-leg cast was applied postoperatively for two weeks; thereafter, patients began the range-of-motion exercises after cast removal. Full weightbearing was allowed at 2 weeks postoperatively. Each patient was assessed radiologically and clinically based on the Olerud-Molander score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, joint stiffness, and capability of single heel raising. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (12.5%) complained of postoperative pain (VAS score 1~3), and the incidence was higher in patients with trimalleolar fractures or associated ligament injuries. Twenty-three patients (16.9%) complained of postoperative ankle stiffness. The mean Olerud-Molander score was 75.4/80 (range, 55~80). Olerud-Molander scores were lower in patients with ligament injuries than in those with fracture alone. There was no nonunion or fracture displacement even after early weightbearing walking. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective series, early rehabilitation after surgical restoration of ankle mortise by anatomical reduction and stabilization was shown to be successful. Earlier motion exercise and weightbearing walking can minimize fracture complications like joint stiffness or weakness in ankle fracture.

Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer / 대한족부족관절학회지

In patients with diabetic foot, ulceration and amputation are the most serious consequences and can lead to morbidity and disability. Peripheral arterial sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and foot deformities are major causes of foot problems. Foot deformities, following autonomic and motor neuropathy, lead to development of over-pressured focal lesions causing the diabetic foot to be easily injured within the shoe while walking. Wound healing in these patients can be difficult due to impaired phagocytic activity, malnutrition, and ischemia. Correction of deformity or shoe modification to relieve the pressure of over-pressured points is necessary for ulcer management. Application of selective dressings that allow a moist environment following complete debridement of the necrotic tissue is mandatory. In the case of a large soft tissue defect, performance of a wound coverage procedure by either a distant flap operation or a skin graft is necessary. Patients with a Charcot joint should be stabilized and consolidated into a plantigrade foot. The bony prominence of a Charcot foot can be corrected by a bumpectomy in order to prevent ulceration. The most effective management of the diabetic foot is ulcer prevention: controlling blood sugar levels and neuropathic pain, smoking cessation, stretching exercises, frequent examination of the foot, and appropriate education regarding footwear.

Total Talar Extrusion without Soft Tissue Attachments

Total talar extrusion without a soft tissue attachment is an extremely rare injury and is rarely reported. Appropriate treatment remains controversial. We describe the long-term outcomes of two patients who had complete talar extrusion without remaining soft tissue attachment treated with arthrodesis. Both of our patients had complications such as infection and progressive osteolysis. We suggest reimplantation of the extruded talus after thorough debridement as soon as possible as a reasonable option unless the talus is contaminated or missing, because an open wound may arise from inside to outside.

Effects of Beraprost Sodium on Subjective Symptoms in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of Beraprost sodium (Berasil) on subjective leg symptoms in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Ninety-four diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease were treated with Beraprost in a fixed-dose, prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Beraprost (40 microg) was administered orally 3 times daily (120 microg/day) for 12 weeks. We developed a new disease-specific symptom questionnaire, which evaluated the effect of peripheral arterial disease on leg discomfort in daily life and assessed therapeutic responses to treatment. Patients were asked for their subjective assessment of symptoms on a written questionnaire before treatment and after 12 weeks of therapy. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in all estimated subjective symptoms (burning, coldness, edema, exertional pain, stabbing, and paresthesias) in the lower extremities at 12 weeks (p < 0.001). There were 18 patients with neuropathy in whom significant improvement was noted for 6 subjective symptoms at 12 weeks (p < 0.05). Adverse events considered to be drug-related were observed in 4 patients (4.3%), all of which were mild and resolved with discontinuation of the medication. CONCLUSIONS: Beraprost is effective as a treatment for improving various subjective symptoms in the lower extremities, such as burning, coldness, edema, exertional pain, stabbing, and paresthesias, in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Prevention and management of the diabetic foot

In the diabetic foot, ulceration and amputation are the most serious causes of morbidity and disability in these patients. Peripheral arterial sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, and foot deformities are major causes of foot problems. Foot deformities caused by autonomic and motor neuropathy lead, in turn, to over-pressured focal lesions causing the diabetic foot to be easily injured within the shoe while walking. Wound healing can be difficult in these patients because of impaired phagocytic activity by hyperglycemia, impaired migration of leukocytes due to a thickened basement membrane, malnutrition, and ischemia. Deformity correction or shoe modification to relieve the pressure of over-pressured points is necessary for ulcer management. Selective dressings allowing a moist environment following complete debridement of the necrotic tissue is mandatory. In the case of a large soft tissue defect due to aggressive debridement, a wound coverage procedure is necessary by either a distant flap operation or a skin graft. Amputation can be necessary in the case of an intractable ischemic toe or a life-threatening infected limb. The amputation level should be kept at its minimum to allow patients to walk, with or without a prosthesis, post-amputation. A foot with Charcot's joint should be stabilized and consolidated into a plantigrade foot. The bony prominence of a Charcot foot can be corrected by a bumpectomy for prevention of ulceration. The most effective management of the diabetic foot is ulcer prevention; measures include controlling blood sugar levels, controlling neuropathic pain, smoking cessation, stretching exercises, frequent inspection of the foot, and education on appropriate footwear. A multidisciplinary approach is also highly recommended for managing diabetic foot problems.

The New Radiographic Evaluation of Hindfoot Alignment / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: There are various methods proposed for the evaluation of the hindfoot alignment. However, due to structural calcaneus variances between patients, it is hard to assess this alignment definitively. Thus, this study proposes a new method for evaluating of the hindfoot alignment and its comparisons to the existing current methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes simple weight bearing hindfoot coronal view radiographs of 120 patients, taken between the time period of March 2008 to November 2009. Among the 120 patients, there was a 1:1 ratio of male to female with an average age of 40. The newly proposed method for evaluating this alignment is to draw a moment arm from the point where the sustentaculum tali meets the medial calcaneus border to the most prominent aspect of the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity. The angle produced via the intersection of this moment arm to the mid-longitudinal axis of the tibia is found and used to evaluate the hindfoot alignment. The inter and intra-observer reliability was evaluated using the coefficient of intraclass correlation. This study also investigates the comparisons between the newly proposed method to the traditionally used Saltzman et al hindfoot alignment evaluating technique. RESULTS: The newly proposed method has higher inter and intra-observer reliability than the existing traditional Saltzman et al technique. CONCLUSION: This new method is recommended over the traditionally used Saltzman et al technique as it has a stronger confidence level and is appropriate for assessing hindfoot alignment in simple radiographs.

Results of Non-Operative Treatment of the Zone I, II Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment of zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2004 and June 2010, a total of 58 patients of zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fractures were included in this study. The mean length of follow-up was 13.5 months (12~36 months). All of the patients were treated with full-weight-bearing short leg cast immobilization for 4 weeks and wooden sole shoes for 4 weeks. The results were evaluated about the radiographic union, the midfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the tenderness on fracture site and other complications. RESULTS: All patients were able to return to their prior levels of activity. The mean time for union as shown on radiographs was 45.5 days, and the mean midfoot scale of AOFAS was 99.7 points. There were no nonunions or refractures during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The conservative treatment with full-weight-bearing short leg cast and wooden sole shoes seems to give good results for zone I, II 5th metatarsal base fracture.

Development of Korean Academy of Medical Sciences Guideline Rating the Physical Impairment: Lower Extremities

Lower Extremities Committee of Korean Academy of Medical Sciences Guideline for Impairment Rating develops new guidelines which are based on McBride method, American Medical Association Guides, Disability evaluation by The Korean Orthopaedic Association, The Korean Neurosurgery Society, and Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine. The committee analyzed and discussed to create an ideal method practical in Korea. Our committee endeavors to develop new methods which are easy to use, but are suitable for professional use and also independent from the examinee's intentions. The lower extremities are evaluated on the basis of anatomic change, functional change, and diagnosis based evaluation. Nine methods are used to assess the lower extremities. Anatomic assessment includes leg length discrepancy, ankylosis, amputation, skin loss, peripheral nerve injury, and vascular disease. In functional assessment, range of motion and muscle strength are included. Diagnosis-based assessments are used to evaluate impairment caused by specific fractures, deformities, ligament instability, meniscectomies, post-traumatic arthritis, fusion of the foot, and lower extremity joint replacements.

Comparative Study of the Clinical Results between Arthroscopic Multiple Drilling and Autologous Osteochondral Grafting for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We compared the clinical results between arthroscopic multiple drilling and autologous osteochondral grafting for osteochondral lesions of the talus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent arthroscopic multiple drilling that left the remaining cartilage at the lesions, and ten patients underwent autologous osteochondral grafting for detached cartilage lesions. We performed a modified Brostrom procedure for 9 of the cases with combined lateral ankle instability in both groups. The average follow-up period was 12.4 months. The mean ages were 31 and 28 years old, respectively. The results were compared between the two groups by assessing the AOFAS scores and patient satisfaction, based on subjective symptoms. RESULTS: The mean pre-operative AOFAS scores were 70 in the arthroscopic multiple drilling group and 70.3 in the autologous osteochondral grafting group. The post-operative AOFAS scores were 78.8 in the arthroscopic multiple drilling group and 93.5 in the autologous osteochondral grafting group (p<0.05). Patient satisfaction after multiple drilling was good in 3 cases, fair in 4 cases, poor in 5 cases, and pre-operative symptoms were not improved at all in 4 cases. After autologous osteochondral grafting, 7 cases were good and 3 were fair. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talar dome, the results of autologous osteochondral grafting were superior to those of arthroscopic multiple drilling.

Manifestations of Foot Inflammation in Seronegative Spondyloarthropathy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze variable inflammatory manifestations around the foot in the early stages of seronegative spondyloarthropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients, who visited the clinic for inflammatory lesions around the foot and were diagnosed with seronegative spondyloarthropathy, were included in this study. The cases were classified according to the main inflammatory lesions of the foot. Extra-skeletal lesions were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among the main inflammatory lesions of the foot, the most common lesions were insertional Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis in 17 (28.3%) patients. Eleven (18.3%) cases were inflammation of the metatarsophalangeal joint or metatarsal head. Among the cases with multiple foot lesions, both insertional Achilles tendinitis and synovitis of the metatarsophalangeal joint were observed in 8 patients. Among the extra-foot lesions, back pain or synovitis of the knee joint were observed in 17 patients, and 8 cases had sacroilitis. In the patients with extra-skeletal lesions, psoriatic skin lesions were observed in 2 patients and uveitis in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Due to its various and nonspecific manifestations, HLA-B27 related chronic inflammatory foot lesions have been easily overlooked and inappropriately treated. Therefore, particular attention should be paid to HLA-B27 positive cases that have waxing and waning of inflammatory foot lesions.

Histopathologic Changes of Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone in Cylindrical Biopsy Specimen from Talar Osteochondral Lesions / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at elucidating the pathogenesis of talar osteochondral lesion by analyzing the histopathological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty specimens from 20 patients who underwent surgical treatment for talus osteochondral lesions were studied. Preoperative MRI images including T1, T2, and stir images were taken and cases were classified according to modification of the Anderson's classification. There were 5 cases of MRI group 1, 6 cases of group 2, 7 cases of group 3 and 2 cases of group 4. A full thickness osteochondral plug including the osteochondral lesion of the talus was harvested from each patient and reviewed histopathologic changes of osteochondral fragment using H-E staining. Mean diameter of specimens was 8.5 mm and mean depth was 10.3 mm. Pathologic changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone were observed. Subchondral bone was divided into superficial, middle and deep zones according to depth. Cartilage formation, trabecular thickening and marrow fibrosis were observed in each zone. RESULTS: There were detachment of the joint cartilage at the tidemark in 16 cases of 20 cases and the separated cartilages were almost necrotic on the histopathologic findings. Cartilage formation within subchondral bone was discovered beneath the tidemark in 12 cases. Trabeculae were increased and thickened in 17 cases. These pathologic changes were similar to fracture healing process and these findings were more conspicuous near the tidemark and showed transition to normal bone marrow tissue with depth. No correlation between the pathological progression and MRI stages was found. A large cyst shown on MRI's was microscopically turned out to be multiple micro-cysts accompanied by fibrovascular structure and newly formed cartilage tissue. CONCLUSION: The histopathologic findings of osteochondral lesions are detachment of overlying cartilage at the tidemark and subsequent changes of subchondral bone. Subchondral bone changes are summarized as cartilage formation, marrow fibrosis and trabecular thickening that mean healing process following repeated micro fractures of trabecular. These osteochondral lesions should have differed from osteochondral fractures.