Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 to 60

Using a custom talus implant for ankle cartilage injuries in patients aged 20-60

Official title: A Talus Implant in Patients Between 20-60 Years of Age Followed up for a Minimum of 2 Years After Surgery: A Pilot Study

Run by Vestre Viken Hospital Trust · NCT06932380 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a custom metal implant to see if it can help people aged 20-60 with ankle cartilage injuries feel better after other treatments haven't worked.

More Cartilage Lesion trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SponsorVestre Viken Hospital Trust
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Drammen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2029
Study endsDecember 31, 2030
Registry record updatedApril 29, 2025
Trial IDNCT06932380 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients aged 20-60 with symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the ankle who have not found relief from conservative treatments or previous surgeries.

Probably not a fit

Patients with extensive cartilage damage, active infections, or severe joint instability may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This project investigates the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of the Episurf Episeal talus implant in patients with osteochondral ankle injuries who have not responded to previous treatments. The study involves a prospective cohort design where ten patients aged 20-60 will undergo a customized surgical procedure to replace damaged cartilage with a patient-specific metal implant. Assessments will be conducted over two years, measuring clinical function, pain, and patient satisfaction using various questionnaires at multiple follow-up points. The goal is to provide insights into improving treatment for ankle osteoarthritis and enhancing patients' quality of life and function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve pain relief and joint function for patients with localized cartilage defects in the ankle.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using patient-specific implants have shown promise in other joints, suggesting potential for success in this application.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 20-60 years with symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the ankle where conservative treatment or previous surgery has been unsatisfactory.
* Patients with a limited cartilage defect that qualifies for Episealer implantation.
* Patients who have provided written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with an active infection in the ankle.
* Patients with extensive cartilage damage where Episealer is not indicated.
* Patients with osteoarthritic changes on the tibial side of the ankle joint.
* Patients with severe joint instability.
* Patients with severe neurological or systemic diseases.
* Patients who smoke.
* Patients with substance abuse issues.
* Patients unable to attend follow-ups due to distance or other factors.

Where it's running

  • Drammen Sykehus
    Drammen, Norway
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.