Intraosseous ganglion of the talus treated with the talonavicular joint approach without exposing the ankle joint

Abstract

Intraosseous ganglion, which is generally seen in metaphyseal-epiphyseal regions of long bones, is not a rare disorder. It is extremely rare in the talus, however. Differential diagnosis of a cystic talar lesion should include enchondroma, chondroblastoma, giant cell tumor, and unicameral bone cyst. This article presents a case of intraosseous ganglion of the talus in a 38-year-old woman treated with a new surgical approach and technique. The patient had mild ankle pain at the arc of motion in her right ankle that increased with activity. Radiographs and magnetic resonance images showed a cystic lesion in the medial side of the talar dome. It was treated by curettage and autocorticocancellous bone grafting through an opening in the talonavicular joint without disturbing the intact talar dome cartilage. One month after the operation, the patient had an excellent clinical outcome. This approach and technique can be used to treat other lesions of the talus that do not involve the joint space.