Using rib cartilage to treat ankle joint lesions

Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Autologous Costal Osteochondral Transplantation in the Treatment of Talar Osteochondral Lesions: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University · NCT05942430

This study is testing whether using rib cartilage to treat ankle joint damage can help people recover better and have fewer side effects than a different treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University Government
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05942430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness and safety of using autologous costal osteochondral transplantation to treat Hepple Stage V talar osteochondral lesions. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment or a control treatment involving autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation. The study aims to determine if the rib cartilage method leads to better clinical outcomes and less donor site morbidity compared to the control. All participants will follow the same rehabilitation and follow-up protocols post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with symptomatic Hepple stage V talar osteochondral lesions who have not responded to conservative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with lower limb deformities, joint diseases in the hip or knee, or other specified conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve recovery outcomes and reduce complications for patients with severe ankle cartilage damage.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific method of using rib cartilage for ankle lesions is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Symptomatic Hepple stage V talar osteochondral lesions with a lesion depth ≥5 mm and an AOFAS score ≤80 points;
* Failed conservative treatment for at least 6 months;
* Unilateral talar osteochondral lesions without corresponding lesions on the tibial side;
* Willingness to participate in this clinical trial and signing an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Combined with lower limb deformity.
* Combined with hip or knee joint diseases.
* Combined with ipsilateral ankle arthritis with joint space narrowing .
* Diagnosis of gouty arthritis of the ankle joint.
* Combined with osteoporosis (T score \<-2.5).
* Other conditions considered inappropriate for participation in this clinical trial by the researchers.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Articular Cartilage Defectcostaautologous osteochondral transplantationautologous osteoperiosteal transplantationosteochondral lesion of the talus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.