Subchondroplasty: Treatment of Bone Marrow Lesions in the Lower Extremity

Abstract

Bone marrow lesions are associated with pain, disease progression, and cartilage loss in inflammatory and noninflammatory conditions, and are related to mechanical loading and subchondral stress. Treatment, particularly in the foot and ankle, is challenging. In the subchondroplasty procedure, flowable, synthetic, calcium phosphate bone filler is injected into the defect region, improving subchondral bone integrity and allowing remodeling back into healthy cancellous bone. The procedure is a promising treatment option for bone marrow lesions, particularly in the foot and ankle. The benefits are a minimally invasive procedure with early return to weightbearing.

Keywords: Bone marrow edema; Bone marrow lesions; Foot and ankle; Subchondroplasty.