Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: long-term results of excision of the osteochondral fragment

Knee. 2005 Jun;12(3):205-8. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2004.08.005. Epub 2004 Oct 27.

Abstract

This study aimed to show the results of osteochondritis dissecans fragment excision. We reviewed 85 patients (98 knees) with osteochondritis dissecans in a retrospective study of the results of merely excising the osteochondral lesion. Thirty-one knees were treated by only the removal of the fragment. Of these, it was possible to contact and examine 14 patients (14 knees); the average follow-up periods were 8.3 years (range 4.5-32 years). Knee function was evaluated according to the criteria of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), 12 knees in the 14 patients had no further symptoms and the 2 others had mild pain when going up- and downstairs. Roentgenograms at follow-up showed slight osteoarthritic changes. The preoperative femoro-tibial angle measured at surgery showed no marked change compared with that at follow-up. The study suggests that clinical and radiological results are good following removal of the osteochondral loose fragments are excised.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Knee Joint / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / classification
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / surgery*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome