AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE TALUS TREATED BY CORE DECOMPRESSION

We reviewed 11 patients (17 ankles) who had had core decompression for symptomatic avascular necrosis of the talus before collapse. The Mazu r grading system was used to assess function preoperatively and at fin al follow-up, and radiographs were graded according to the Ficat and A rlet (1980) classification modified for the ankle. At a mean follow-up of seven years (2 to 14) 14 ankles (82%) had an excellent or good out come (Mazur scores >80 points; pain scores >40 points (41 to 50)). The other three ankles required tibiotalar fusion at a mean of 13 months (5 to 20) after core decompression. We conclude that core decompressio n is a viable method of treatment for symptomatic avascular necrosis o f the talus before collapse.