# Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Talar Dome and Navicular Bone in an Adolescent Athlete: A Prolonged Clinical Course

## TL;DR

A teenage soccer player had persistent ankle pain from a rare bone condition that was hard to diagnose and took a long time to treat.

## Contribution

This case study adds to the understanding of delayed diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle OCD in adolescents.

## Key findings

- OCD of the foot and ankle can present with symptoms similar to common injuries, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Persistent ankle pain despite normal imaging and standard treatment should prompt further evaluation for OCD.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for better outcomes in pediatric OCD cases.

## Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the foot and ankle is an uncommon condition in children, often associated with ankle inversion injuries. Its symptoms can mimic common ankle injuries, making it challenging to diagnose and potentially leading to delay in care. Therefore, it is crucial to further evaluate patients with persistent ankle pain despite negative radiographic imaging and no relief with standard treatment of ankle injuries. This case highlights the presentation, delayed diagnosis, and treatment of an 11-year-old male soccer player who experienced persistent left ankle and foot pain one year after sustaining an on-field injury with an unknown mechanism.