Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the patellofemoral joint can be difficult
to identify and treat. Asymptomatic or stable lesions in skeletally immature patients
may be treated nonoperatively, but symptomatic lesions often require surgical intervention.
Evidence of instability should be carefully evaluated with preoperative magnetic resonance
imaging or computed tomography arthrogram. Careful preoperative planning is necessary
to ensure the appropriate surgical approach and implants are selected for surgical
management. Multiple techniques have been described, but internal fixation of both
“classic” and cartilage-only OCD lesions has been shown to have strong outcomes in
managing these difficult cases.
Keywords
osteochondritis dissecans - internal fixation - patellofemoral
