Characteristics of ankle kinematics in patients with ankle instability with or without an osteochondral lesion of the talus

The presence of osteochondral lesions further exacerbates kinematic abnormalities in ankles with CAI during gait. These distinct kinematic signatures-particularly reduced plantarflexion ROM in patients with OLTs vs. reduced inversion ROM in patients with isolated CAI-may serve as objective clinical markers to distinguish between these conditions, potentially reducing misdiagnosis rates and enabling clinicians to implement targeted rehabilitation strategies to prevent progression to ankle osteoarthritis.