Bridging Conservative Management With Injectable Orthobiologic Therapies: Proceedings of the International Consensus Meetings on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle

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BackgroundThe management of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is challenging, with 2 main options being conservative and surgical management. Orthobiologic therapies come to bridge the gap between these 2 options; however, inconsistencies in indication, composition, and heterogeneous evidence limit clinical decision-making. To address these challenges, 3 International Congress Meetings on Cartilage Repair of the Ankle were convened in Pittsburgh, USA (2017), Dublin, Ireland (2019), and New York, USA (2025) to establish agreement on the role of conservative management and injectable orthobiologic strategies in the treatment of OLT.MethodsSeventy-five multidisciplinary experts from over 25 countries and 1 territory participated in a structured Delphi-based consensus process. Blinded surveys, structured questionnaires, and in-person discussions were used to develop and refine statements, supported by literature review and graded evidence (A1-E). Consensus strength was defined as consensus (51%-74%), strong consensus (75%-99%), or unanimous (100%)ResultsIn total, 29 consensus statements were achieved across the 3 meetings. Strong agreement was reached regarding indications and expected outcomes of conservative management, including the role of immobilization and appropriate timing for surgical intervention. Orthobiologic injections, including platelet-rich plasma, concentrated bone marrow aspirate, and hyaluronic acid, were considered appropriate in select patients with persistent symptoms, although no superiority was demonstrated among formulations, preparation methods, or injection strategies. When used as adjuncts to surgical procedures, orthobiologics may improve radiological outcomes, with limited evidence for improvement in clinical outcomes. Technical considerations, including preferred harvest sites and a lack of standardized preparation protocols, were identified, along with key principles for patient counselingConclusionThese international consensus statements establish a standardized framework for the conservative management and use of injectable orthobiologic therapies in OLT. By clarifying indications, technical considerations, and current limitations, this work aims to improve consistency in clinical practice, guide treatment decision-making, and inform future research.

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