What Precautions Needs To Be Taken When Diagnosed With Osteochondral Defect In Ankles?

Question : Hi, I recently found out that I have OCD in the dome of my right Talus. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who says I definitely need surgery. I am currently in China and would like to wait to have have surgery when I go back home to the US. After I told the doctor that I wanted to wait he basically said there was nothing else he could do for me. Everything that I have read about this OCD says that it's important to immobilize the ankle and to keep wait off of it. I really just need some advice as to what my next step should be, How long can I wait to have the surgery will it make it worse if I keep walking on it. I'm not supposed to go home until the beginning of July and I am wondering if I should change my plans. Any help you can give would be great!

Hello Dr. Tayal,

I sent you a message earlier about OCD in my right talus. The doctor that I saw here in Beijing told me I needed surgery and that the OCD was in the late stages. When I told him that I didn't want to have surgery here in China he basically just dismissed me and told me there was nothing he could so for me. He didn't even offer me any crutches or a cast or boot or anything. But from what I have read about this condition it sound like when it is in the later stages it needs to be taken care of right away and immobilized like you said. I know you may not be able to give a lot of information since you don't know my specific case but what would be your recommendation as for the next step and how soon I should try to go home for surgery? I also have lupus so I am concerned that if I wait too long to get this taken care of that it might cause long term issues. Thank you for your help in this!