OCD of the talus is a condition where the cartilage and bone on the top of the ankle bone (talus) become damaged, often due to trauma, repeated ankle sprains, or reduced blood supply. This injury can result in persistent ankle pain, swelling, locking, or catching during movement.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, offers personalised treatment for OCD of the talus at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. Treatment may involve conservative management or surgical interventions such as arthroscopy, microfracture, or grafting, depending on the size and severity of the lesion.

What is OCD of the talus?

An OCD of the talus is a defect in the cartilage and underlying bone of the talus, one of the main bones forming the ankle joint. Damage can occur due to:

• Trauma or ankle sprains.
• Repetitive stress or overuse.
• Reduced blood supply to the talus.

Symptoms often include:

• Persistent ankle pain, especially with activity.
• Swelling and stiffness.
• Locking, catching, or a feeling of instability in the ankle.

Left untreated, OCD lesions can progress to arthritis and more significant joint damage.

Who can benefit from treatment?

Patients who may benefit include those who:

• Experience ongoing ankle pain despite rest, physiotherapy, or bracing.
• Have swelling, stiffness, or mechanical symptoms such as catching or locking.
• Have an OCD confirmed on imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan).

Mr. Syed conducts a detailed assessment including clinical examination and imaging to determine the most appropriate treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical.

OCD of the talus in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, Mr. Syed and his team ensure patients are fully prepared:

• Detailed consultation to discuss symptoms, imaging results, and treatment options.
• Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, CT) to assess the size and location of the defect.
• Pre-operative checks including blood tests and guidance on fasting or medication adjustments.

The surgery itself

Surgical treatment may be performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and can include:

• Arthroscopic debridement – cleaning damaged cartilage and loose fragments.
• Microfracture technique – stimulating bone marrow to promote cartilage healing.
• Osteochondral grafting – transplanting healthy cartilage and bone for larger defects.

The operation usually lasts 1–2 hours depending on the complexity.

Surgeries are performed at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – offering modern surgical theatres and personalised recovery support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – providing high-quality private orthopaedic care.

Both locations are easily accessible for patients across Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas.

Duration and post-op care

After surgery:

• Patients typically stay overnight for monitoring.
• The ankle is immobilised in a cast or boot.
• Pain management is provided with prescribed medication.
• Crutches or partial weight-bearing may be required for several weeks, depending on the procedure.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery depends on the treatment performed, but general milestones include:

• 0–2 weeks: Non-weight-bearing with crutches and immobilisation.
• 2–6 weeks: Gradual introduction of partial weight-bearing.
• 6–12 weeks: Physiotherapy to restore strength, balance, and ankle range of motion.
• 3–6 months: Return to normal activities and sports once healing is confirmed on imaging.

Physiotherapy is essential for optimal recovery and to reduce the risk of recurrent ankle issues.

Risks and complications

Potential risks include:

• Infection.
• Nerve irritation or stiffness around the ankle.
• Incomplete healing of cartilage or bone.
• Persistent pain or recurrence of symptoms.

Mr. Syed employs advanced surgical techniques and close follow-up care to minimise risks and support successful recovery.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Specialist in foot and ankle surgery with extensive experience treating cartilage and bone defects.
• Advanced surgical techniques including arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures.
• Personalised care throughout consultation, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Accessible locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is surgery painful?
Discomfort is expected initially but is managed with medication. Long-term, most patients experience significant relief.

How long is recovery?
Recovery usually takes 3–6 months, depending on the procedure and lesion size.

Will I need physiotherapy?
Yes, physiotherapy is critical to restore ankle strength, flexibility, and function.

Can I return to sports?
Yes, gradual return to sport is possible once healing is confirmed and strength is restored.

Book your consultation

If ankle pain, swelling, or locking is affecting your daily life, OCD talus treatment with Mr. Turab Syed can restore function and relieve discomfort.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to discuss your treatment options.