Management of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.

The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans is hypothesized as repetitive microtrauma, resulting in an interruption of blood supply. Due to the location of the most common lesions on the medial femoral condyle, impingement of either the medial tibial spine or inferior pole of the patella against the adjacent medial femur may be responsible. It is much more common in athletic males than other groups.