Evaluation and Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Knee

Alvin J. Detterline; Jordan L. Goldstein; John-Paul H. Rue; Bernard R. Bach

doi:10.1055/s-0030-1247804

The Journal of Knee Surgery, Table of Contents

J Knee Surg 2008; 21(2): 106-115
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247804

Original Article

Evaluation and Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Knee

Alvin J. Detterline¹ , Jordan L. Goldstein¹ , John-Paul H. Rue² , Bernard R. Bach¹ Jr

¹Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill
²The National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. At the time this article was written, Dr Rue was from Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Ill

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition affecting the subchondral bone of joints with secondary effects on articular cartilage that results in pain, effusions, loose-body formation, and mechanical symptoms. Left untreated, OCD can lead to the development of degenerative arthritis secondary to joint incongruity and abnormal wear patterns. This article discusses the etiology of knee OCD lesions, clinical presentation, proper evaluation, and treatment options. Treatment of OCD may include nonoperative measures or operative procedures ranging from drilling or fixation of fragments to complex reconstruction procedures such as autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and fresh osteochondral allograft. Physicians must consider many factors, including the patient's age and skeletal maturity, as well as size, location, and stability of OCD lesions to determine the proper course of treatment.

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