Intraosseous Ganglion Cyst of the Talus Treated With Curettage and Bone Grafting Through a Medial Malleolus Osteotomy

Background: Intraosseous ganglion cyst (IGC) of the talus is a rare entity. There is no consensus regarding the best surgical approach to the talus. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of curettage and bone grafting of the talus IGC via medial malleolus osteotomy. Methods: Seventeen patients with talus IGC who were treated between 2002 and 2020 using curettage and bone grafting through a medial malleolus osteotomy were included. The outcome measures were ankle range of motion (ROM), pain, and function. The ankle pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS). The ankle function was evaluated by the Toronto extremity salvage score (TESS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score. Results: The study population included 10 men and 7 women with a mean age of 34.9 +/- 18.8 years and a mean follow-up of 5.4 +/- 3 years. The mean size of the lesion was 2.6 +/- 0.8 cm. Postoperatively, mean ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were 19.4 +/- 5.8 degrees and 36.7 +/- 5.3 degrees, respectively. The mean VAS was 0.9 +/- 1.1. The mean MSTS score and TESS were 96.2 +/- 3.5 and 94.5 +/- 4.1, respectively. Two patients developed ankle osteoarthritis after 3 years (1 stage I and 1 stage II). One of these patients (stage II) also had recurrence after 6 months (recurrence rate: 6.7%). Conclusion: Talus IGC could be adequately managed with curettage and bone grafting through a medial malleolus osteotomy. Even so, mild pain and reduced ankle ROM remain in some patients.