Search Results (312)

Accurate gait event detection using inertial measurement units (IMUs) is essential for temporal gait analysis, but frame-level detection is challenged by sparse initial contact (IC) and foot-off (FO) events. This study evaluated recurrent neural network architectures and training strategies for simultaneous IC and FO detection using a single shank-mounted smartphone IMU. The internal dataset included 28 healthy older adults and 18 individuals with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Temporal label expansion substantially improved validation performance for gated recurrent unit (GRU) and long short-term memory models, whereas point-label and class-weighted training performed poorly. The selected label-expanded GRU (LE-GRU) achieved $F_1$ scores above $0.95$ for both events and mean absolute temporal errors below 12$\mathrm{m}$$\mathrm{s}$ on held-out internal test folds, with high performance in both cohorts. On an external dataset with different sensor and acquisition characteristics, high performance required full-network fine-tuning, indicating the need for adaptation across datasets. Stance phase and stride time calculated from LE-GRU-predicted events showed high agreement with reference-derived values, with Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients from $0.980$ to $0.994$. These findings demonstrate that temporal label expansion enables accurate GRU-based gait event detection and temporal gait analysis from data collected with a single smartphone IMU. Full article

Background: Advanced varus ankle osteoarthritis is challenging because correction of malalignment must be balanced against preservation of the native ankle joint. This study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal tibial oblique osteotomy (DTOO) with structural strut allografting, which permits individualized correction and provides mechanical support to the osteotomy gap. Methods: This retrospective case series included 20 patients and 20 operated ankles with Takakura stage IIIa (n = 13) or IIIb (n = 7) varus ankle osteoarthritis who underwent DTOO with structural strut allografting between 2012 and 2024. Clinical outcomes included Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), 12-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-12), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores. Radiographic parameters included tibial articular surface angle (TAS), tibial lateral surface angle (TLS), medial malleolar angle (MMA), talar tilt angle (TTA), and tibiotalar surface angle (TTS). Results: Significant improvements were observed at final follow-up. MOXFQ scores decreased from 57.66 ± 22.01 to 10.63 ± 9.72 (p < 0.001), AOFAS scores increased from 63.75 ± 15.17 to 85.45 ± 8.37 (p < 0.001), and VAS pain scores decreased from 4.30 ± 1.75 to 1.00 ± 1.30 (p < 0.001). The SF-12 PCS increased from 45.23 ± 8.48 to 47.96 ± 7.93 (p = 0.258), and the MCS increased from 53.51 ± 9.85 to 55.60 ± 4.75 (p = 0.377); neither change was statistically significant. Significant correction was achieved in TAS (p < 0.001), TLS (p < 0.001), MMA (p = 0.019), and TTS (p < 0.001), with no significant change in TTA (p = 0.336). All achieved radiographic union within 3 months postoperatively. Conclusions: DTOO with strut bone allografting enables alignment correction in advanced varus ankle osteoarthritis, including Takakura stage III, while preserving the ankle joint. This technique is an effective joint-preserving option for severe deformities. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hallux rigidus is a degenerative condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint that causes pain and limitation of motion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a modified interpositional arthroplasty technique using an iliotibial band autograft fixed to the proximal phalanx in patients with advanced hallux rigidus. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational case series included 19 patients with Coughlin–Shurnas Grade III or IV hallux rigidus who underwent surgery between February 2023 and February 2025. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and range-of-motion (ROM) measurements preoperatively and at postoperative 1, 6, and 12 months. Results: The mean VAS score decreased from 9.0 ± 0.82 preoperatively to 1.58 ± 0.51 at 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean AOFAS score increased from 35.1 ± 2.7 to 74.8 ± 10.9 (p = 0.001). ROM improved significantly at 1 and 6 months; however, the 12-month ROM was not significantly different from the preoperative value (36.3° ± 5.6° vs. 31.0° ± 5.5°, p = 0.082). Conclusions: Interpositional arthroplasty using an iliotibial band autograft fixed to the proximal phalanx was associated with short-term reductions in pain and improvements in functional scores. However, the early increase in range of motion was not maintained to the same extent at 12 months. Full article

The Xiashu loess in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River with typical aeolian characteristics is widely distributed in the hilly areas and is the main kind of landslides in this area. The paper reveals the infiltration process of the Xiashu loess slope under different rainfall intensity conditions on the basis of on-site artificial rainfall simulation tests and laboratory experiments. The distribution of pore water pressure inside the Xiashu loess slope under different rainfall intensity conditions were compared and analyzed. The relationship between rainfall intensity and water content at different depths was clarified, and the relation function among rainfall intensity conditions, slopes, and the ultimate depth and critical rainfall intensity of the Xiashu soil slope landslide is proposed. The research results indicate that: (1) the infiltration rate and depth of the soil at the foot of the slope are greater than those at the top and middle of the slope; (2) an increase in the rainfall duration is found to cause an increase in slope infiltration depth; (3) an increase in the rainfall duration can lead to a more significant influence of the infiltration depth under the slope angle; (4) the infiltration depth of rainfall with low intensities and long durations is larger than that of high intensities and short durations. Finally, the ultimate rainfall infiltration depth under different slope angles and rainfall conditions was determined. The research results can be used to forecast the Xiashu loses soil landslide scale, providing theoretical basis for early warning of instability of Xiashu loess slope under different unfavorable conditions. Full article

Background: Lumbar radicular pain, commonly referred to as sciatica, is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that negatively impacts patients’ quality of life. Evidence regarding the use of foot orthoses in patients with sciatica secondary to lumbar disc herniation remains limited. Objectives: To determine the influence of custom-made foot orthoses on health-related quality of life and perceived pain in patients with chronic radicular pain secondary to non-traumatic lumbar or lumbosacral disc herniation. Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. Fifty-two patients (mean age: 46.12 ± 9.37 years; 53.8% men, 46.2% women) were allocated to either a customized functional foot orthoses group or a cushioning flat insole group. Pain, foot-related disability, low back disability, and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and after three months using the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between treatment groups in foot pain ($p=0.821$), lower-limb pain ($p=0.244$), low back pain ($p=0.497$), low back disability ($p=0.684$), or physical quality of life ($p=0.069$) after follow-up. However, participants treated with customized functional foot orthoses showed significant intragroup improvements in foot function (MFPDI-Function: $p=0.046$; MFPDI-Total: $p=0.033$) and in the physical component of health-related quality of life (SF-12 Physical: $p=0.031$), whereas no significant changes were observed in the cushioning insole group ($p>0.05$). Conclusions: Customized functional foot orthoses may improve foot function and physical health-related quality of life in patients with chronic radicular pain secondary to lumbar or lumbosacral disc herniation. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings. Full article

Background and Objectives: Foot bone marrow edema of presumed algodystrophic or bone marrow edema syndrome-like origin is clinically difficult to classify, and the relationship between MRI extent, pain severity, and functional impairment remains insufficiently defined. This study aimed to describe MRI distribution patterns and short-term clinical changes in a small real-world cohort of patients with persistent NSAID-resistant foot pain and presumed algodystrophic/BMES-like bone marrow edema. Materials and Methods: This retrospective single-center observational cohort study included 19 consecutive patients with persistent foot pain; MRI-demonstrated bone marrow edema; inadequate response to NSAIDs; management with a multimodal protocol that included neridronate, vitamin D supplementation, and, in selected patients, adjunctive physiotherapy and magnetotherapy; and available 3-month follow-up. The protocol consisted of intramuscular neridronate 25 mg once daily for 16 consecutive days, resulting in a total cumulative dose of 400 mg, together with vitamin D supplementation. Eleven patients also underwent adjunctive physiotherapy and magnetotherapy. MRI findings were categorized by anatomical location group, multilocalization, and compartment involvement. Clinical outcomes included baseline and 3-month Visual Analog Scale scores, WOMAC scores, and descriptive changes in NSAID use. Nonparametric paired and exploratory subgroup analyses were performed. Results: Mean age was 51.3 ± 14.9 years, and 52.6% of patients were female. MRI showed predominant midfoot involvement, with the navicular and third cuneiform most frequently affected. Median VAS changed from 8.0 at baseline to 3.0 at 3 months, and median WOMAC changed from 80.0 to 41.0; because no control group was available, these paired changes should be interpreted descriptively. Daily NSAID use decreased from 78.9% at baseline to 0% at follow-up. These findings describe clinical improvement after a multimodal management approach but do not establish the independent treatment effect of neridronate. In exploratory analyses, only two patients had multi-compartment involvement; therefore, any apparent pain-severity signal in this subgroup was considered unstable and hypothesis-generating only. Edema location group and multilocalization were not statistically associated with VAS or WOMAC outcomes. Conclusions: In this small retrospective single-center case series, presumed algodystrophic/BMES-like foot bone marrow edema most commonly involved the midfoot, particularly the navicular and cuneiform region. Pain scores, WOMAC scores, and daily NSAID use decreased over 3 months after multimodal care. However, the uncontrolled design, small sample size, concomitant vitamin D supplementation, adjunctive physiotherapy or magnetotherapy in many patients, and self-limiting nature of BMES-like conditions prevent attribution of these changes to neridronate or to any single treatment component. The apparent relationship between multi-compartment edema and greater pain severity was based on only two patients and should be regarded only as a weak exploratory observation. Full article

Background: Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disorder driven by frataxin deficiency, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Pharmacologic trials have yielded inconsistent results, prompting an updated synthesis of evidence. Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) from database inception to 29 June 2025. Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were not searched due to institutional access limitations. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) was used. Primary outcomes were modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS)/Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (FARS); safety outcomes included adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs. Secondary outcomes were Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Nine-Hole Peg Test, and the Timed 25-Foot Walk. Results: Sixteen studies (17 reports, n = 351) met inclusion criteria. Omaveloxolone was the only agent showing a statistically significant improvement in mFARS (mean difference (MD) −2.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) −4.24 to −0.56; p = 0.014), supported by low-certainty evidence. Other therapies showed no consistent benefit. Overall AE risk was comparable to control (risk ratio (RR) 1.00; 95% CI 0.98–1.03). Apparent subgroup differences by therapeutic class or age likely reflected drug-specific effects and small samples. Conclusions: Omaveloxolone was the only agent to reach statistical significance for mFARS and is the most promising and best-supported therapy among those reviewed; however, this rests on low-certainty evidence and needs confirmation in larger trials. No clear difference in overall adverse events was observed between intervention and control groups; however, available safety evidence remains limited by imprecision, small sample sizes, and short follow-up durations. Longer, standardized, and age-stratified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed. Full article

Underwater acoustic (UWA) sensor and control links carry mostly short messages (below ∼10 kB) over time-varying, low-SNR multipath channels, which is a regime where forward error correction (FEC) operates on short, finite blocks where a single static configuration is inefficient. Adaptive schemes for these links typically adjust the modulation order and code rate; the payload segment (block) size—which, together with the code rate, sets the coded block length that governs the finite-blocklength penalty for short messages—is seldom adapted per transmission jointly with the choice of FEC scheme on a like-for-like footing. We propose a per-transmission controller that jointly selects the FEC scheme, code rate, and segment size from a prediction of the near-term channel state, which is paired with a like-for-like short-block benchmark of LDPC, list-decoded polar, BCH, Reed–Solomon, convolutional, and turbo codes. No single code dominates: under a unified ARQ goodput metric, the reliability–throughput frontier has a crossover that shifts with the channel, so the optimal FEC choice is channel-dependent. Across our experiments, the segment-size degree of freedom is the dominant throughput lever, capturing essentially all of the adaptation gain at low-to-mid SNR and over fading; switching the FEC family adds a further, bounded gain only where the frontier crosses between families (up to 10% at high-SNR AWGN, polar to RS). The joint controller essentially matches a fair single-family adaptive baseline off the crossover (to within a negligible prediction-overhead margin) and exceeds it at that crossover, beats a fixed, no-CSI code by up to 16%, and captures 91–99% of an oracle; a lightweight persistence predictor matches a learned LSTM for the first-order channel-state model studied. A statistics-driven replay using measured-channel parameters, and a recorded-channel replay over the public Watermark benchmark, preserve the same family ordering. Full article

This paper investigates the seismic performance of precast concrete shear-wall subassemblies connected by post-cast ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) zones and short lap-spliced reinforcement with a lap length of $10d$, where d denotes the diameter of the reinforcement bar. Seven quasi-static cyclic tests were conducted, including one cast-in-place control specimen, five specimens with horizontal UHPC back-cast joints at the wall base, and one exploratory specimen with both horizontal and vertical UHPC back-cast joints. The variables considered were the joint arrangement and the axial compression ratio. The specimens with horizontal joints generally exhibited compression-flexure-dominated damage, and the crushing zone shifted from the wall-footing interface to the ordinary concrete immediately above the UHPC back-cast zone. The specimen with the vertical joint (TW6) exhibited bending-shear damage, accompanied by limited in-plane lateral slip at the beam–wall joint and shear damage of several vertical bars. Specimen TW2, with an axial compression ratio of 0.30, was identified as a construction-quality-sensitive case because an insufficient local UHPC cover caused splitting damage and reduced hysteretic stability. The strain measurements indicate that, within the limits of the present instrumentation, the 10d lap in the UHPC zone provided effective stress transfer in the tested specimens; however, direct interface-slip and bond-slip tests are still required for generalized design verification. Under an axial compression ratio of 0.20, TW1 and TW6 showed comparable seismic indices to the cast-in-place specimen, but the conclusions are limited to the tested configurations. All specimens reached ultimate drift ratios greater than 1/100, and their seismic performance is discussed together with failure mode, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation, and connection reliability. Full article

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease with an increasing global prevalence. It is characterized by chronic and systemic complications. Due to these complications, DM significantly impacts patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). One of the most critical complications of DM is diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which have serious consequences for patients and healthcare systems. Objective: This study aimed to investigate variables potentially associated with HRQoL in patients with DFUs presenting to our wound care unit. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May of 2023 at the Wound Care Unit of the General Surgery Department at Eskişehir City Hospital. A total of 209 patients who agreed to participate were included in the study. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire developed based on the literature, which included the Diabetic Foot Ulcer Scale–Short Form (DFS-SF). We used the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, univariate analyses (Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests), and multiple linear regression. Results: In the multivariate analysis, receipt of foot care education (p < 0.001), frequency of hospital applications due to DFU (p = 0.008), and Wagner classification (p = 0.012) were found to be predictors of HRQoL for DFUs (Adjusted R² = 0.206, F = 4.365, p < 0.001). Conclusions: To maintain a high HRQoL among DFU patients, they should immediately apply to specialized Wound Care Units, receive education, especially regarding early diagnosis and treatment, and receive multidisciplinary management for DFU. Full article

Background and Objectives: Conventional supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) often involves a concomitant fibular osteotomy (FO), which carries risks, such as nonunion and nerve injury. We evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a fibula-preserving SMO (FP-SMO) combined with arthroscopic modified Broström operation (MBO) in patients with medial compartment varus ankle osteoarthritis and chronic lateral ankle instability. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who underwent medial opening wedge FP-SMO and arthroscopic MBO between 2014 and 2019. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Radiological evaluation included the anterior drawer test (ADT), talar tilt angle, tibiotalar surface (TTS) angle, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA), tibial lateral surface (TLS) angle, Takakura stage, and International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade assessed during second-look arthroscopy. Results: At a mean follow-up of 17.22 months, the mean VAS, AOFAS, and FAOS scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Radiologically, the mean ADT decreased from 5.98 mm to 4.70 mm (p = 0.015), and the mean talar tilt angle decreased from 9.85° to 6.09° (p < 0.001). The mean TTS angle increased from 80.46° to 84.86° (p = 0.021), and the mean MDTA increased from 85.03° to 91.26° (p < 0.001). The TLS angle showed no significant change from 81.17° to 81.54° (p = 0.238). Takakura stage and ICRS grade improved or remained stable in all patients. No major complications, including nonunion, were observed. Conclusions: FP-SMO combined with arthroscopic MBO demonstrated favorable short-term clinical and radiological outcomes in selected patients with medial compartment varus ankle osteoarthritis and chronic lateral ankle instability. This combined approach may be a feasible joint-preserving option that addresses coronal malalignment and lateral ankle instability without requiring FO; however, longer-term comparative studies are needed to confirm its durability and clinical utility. Full article

Grapevine black-foot disease is a destructive trunk disease with a complex pathogen composition that often involves mixed and latent infections, making timely field diagnosis challenging. To improve rapid field detection, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and low instrument-dependent nucleic acid assay. The assay integrates recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas12a for the detection of Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria, two genera associated with grapevine black-foot disease. Conserved regions of the histone H3 and β-tubulin genes were selected for the design of specific RPA primers and corresponding CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) for Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria, respectively. A workflow integrating RPA, Cas12a-mediated recognition, and lateral flow assay (LFA)-based visualization was established. The reaction conditions were optimized to enhance amplification efficiency and Cas12a recognition stability. Specificity was evaluated using DNA from target and non-target fungi, and sensitivity was determined using serially diluted templates. Under optimized conditions, the assay detected Ilyonectria DNA at concentrations as low as 3.6 ng/μL within 1 h at 39 °C. For Dactylonectria, the detection limit reached 80 fg/μL within 50 min at 41 °C. No cross-reactivity was observed. The LFA strips exhibited positive and negative bands within minutes, enabling rapid visual interpretation. This RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a-LFA system provides a rapid, visually interpretable approach for detecting selected grapevine black-foot disease-associated species in China. The workflow reduces the requirement for specialized thermocycling and fluorescence detection equipment during amplification and readout, following DNA extraction. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ozone therapy has been proposed across multiple clinical conditions based on hormetic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, but its efficacy and safety remain controversial. We conducted an umbrella review to appraise the effectiveness and safety of ozone therapy using evidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 14 February 2025, with an updated search performed on 9 May 2026. Eligible studies were systematic reviews with meta-analyses comparing ozone therapy with non-active controls, including placebo, sham, saline, or standard care. Methodological quality was evaluated with AMSTAR-2 and certainty of evidence with GRADE. Results: Of 1243 records identified, seven meta-analyses representing four clinical indications (chronic periodontitis, COVID-19, diabetic foot ulcers, and impacted mandibular third-molar surgery) were included. In chronic periodontitis, evidence was mixed: one meta-analysis found no significant adjunctive benefit, whereas a more recent meta-analysis reported improvements in probing depth and gingival index, but not in bleeding on probing, plaque index, or clinical attachment level. For COVID-19, ozone therapy reduced PCR positivity at follow-up (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.01–0.34), although this was considered a clinically non-important surrogate endpoint, and showed no significant benefit for hospital stay, intensive care unit admission, or mortality. For diabetic foot ulcers, ozone therapy was not superior to control treatment for ulcer healing (RR 1.69; 95% CI 0.90–3.17) or reduction in ulcer area. In third-molar surgery, ozone therapy did not reduce swelling or improve mouth opening, but was associated with improved short-term quality of life and reduced analgesic use. Safety outcomes were inconsistently reported, and available data did not allow firm conclusions regarding adverse events. The certainty of evidence was low or very low for all outcomes. Conclusions: Despite mechanistic plausibility, current meta-analytic evidence from RCTs remains inconsistent, methodologically fragile, and largely based on low- or very low-certainty findings. Routine clinical use is not justified pending adequately powered, blinded RCTs with standardized dosing and delivery, patient-centered endpoints, and rigorous safety monitoring. Full article

Background: Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained increasing attention in prosthetics and orthotics (P&O), yet real-world evidence on its clinical and operational value remains limited, particularly across both prosthetic and orthotic device classes within tertiary hospital practice. This study evaluated the comparative performance of AM in transtibial prosthetic sockets and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) within Singapore’s public healthcare setting. Methods: Two comparative clinical evaluations were conducted. The transtibial socket component used a prospective two-period cross-over design across two P&O departments in NHG Health hospitals, comparing digitally fabricated Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) sockets against conventionally laminated sockets. The AFO component compared posterior cut-out MJF AFOs against conventional polypropylene AFOs within a tertiary hospital P&O service. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ) and Socket Comfort Score (SCS) for sockets, and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST 2.0) for AFOs. Workflow time and cost outcomes were also examined. Results: No statistically significant differences were identified between 3D-printed and conventional transtibial sockets across PEQ domains or SCS measures. Of 15 participants contributing preference data, 9 preferred the 3D-printed socket. The digitally enabled socket workflow reduced technician time and total man-hours but increased total cost because of higher consumables costs. In the AFO cohort, overall QUEST scores did not differ significantly between the posterior cut-out MJF AFO and the conventional polypropylene AFO (mean 4.49 vs. 4.55; p = 0.432). Digital fabrication reduced clinician handling time from 60 to 27 min per device. A unilateral MJF AFO design was discontinued because of biomechanical insufficiency. Conclusions: AM demonstrated comparable short-term patient-reported outcomes to conventional fabrication in selected transtibial socket and AFO applications, although the study was not designed to prove clinical equivalence. Operational benefits were conditional and depended on workflow maturity, design suitability, and service context. Full article

Background: Osteochondral lesions of the lateral talar shoulder (OLT) represent a significant therapeutic challenge, particularly when associated with chronic lateral ankle instability (CAI). While bone marrow stimulation is well established for talar lesions, clinical evidence on the minced cartilage technique (AutoCart™, Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) in this specific localization remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical and functional outcomes following combined treatment of lateral OLT and CAI using autologous minced cartilage and open ligament repair. Methods: Nine patients (mean age: 39.8 years) with symptomatic lateral OLT and concomitant CAI were treated using the minced cartilage technique in conjunction with lateral ligament reconstruction. The mean defect size was 64.8 ± 30.2 mm². Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 15.8 months using the Foot Function Index (FFI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, return-to-sport status, and a motor-cognitive test (Skillcourt system). Postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results: No postoperative complications occurred. All patients reported satisfaction with surgical outcomes. The mean postoperative FFI was 14.92 ± 12.74, indicating minimal functional limitations in daily life. Skillcourt testing revealed no significant side-to-side differences in most tests, except for the Single Leg Stability Test, which showed a significant deficit on the operated side (p = 0.027; Cohen’s d = 0.9). Reduced dorsiflexion limited test performance of four patients. The average postoperative VAS during functional testing was 1.42 ± 1.62. Conclusions: Combined treatment of lateral OLT and CAI using the minced cartilage technique and open ligament stabilization yields favorable short-term clinical and functional outcomes. Despite minor limitations in dorsiflexion, patients achieved high satisfaction rates and functional recovery. These preliminary findings support the technical feasibility and short-term clinical applicability of combining biological cartilage repair with mechanical stabilization for lateral talar lesions < 100 mm². However, larger prospective studies with longer follow-ups are warranted to validate these findings. Full article