What an osteochondral lesion is
An injury to the smooth cartilage and the bone just beneath it, most often on the talus (the ankle bone). It is commonly found after an ankle injury that never quite recovered, and it often needs an MRI to see.
Treatment options
Small or stable lesions may heal with protection and rehab. Others need arthroscopic (minimally invasive) treatment to stimulate repair, or cartilage restoration procedures that replace the damaged area. The right option depends on the size and location of the lesion.
Signs to get checked
- Deep ankle pain months after a sprain
- Swelling that comes and goes with activity
- Catching, locking or a feeling of instability
Common questions
Will an ankle cartilage injury heal on its own?
Some small, stable injuries do. Many do not, because cartilage has a limited blood supply. Imaging tells you which kind you have.
Medically reviewed by Keith W.V. Johnson, MD, FAAOS · Updated September 28, 2026
Educational information, not medical advice. Content pending Dr. Jones's review.