Background: The histologic findings of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee vary widely, leading to differences in the interpretation of its origins. Hypothesis The differences in the histologic findings of osteochondritis dissecans might represent a course of pathologic progression.
Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.
Methods: Twelve knees in 11 patients (average age, 16 years) with osteochondritis dissecans of the medial femoral condyle were treated by biological internal fixation. During the surgery, cylinder osteochondral plugs were taken from the center of the osteochondritis dissecans lesion and examined with light microscopy.
Results: A complete or partial cleft separated the specimens into 2 parts: basal and fragment sides. The surface of the basal side was covered with dense fibrous or cartilaginous tissue and active bone remodeling was found beneath the surface. In the fragment side, the deep surface was also covered with dense fibrous or cartilaginous tissue and the articular surface consisted of normal articular cartilage. The area between these 2 surfaces could be classified into 3 types: (1) necrotic subchondral trabeculae, (2) viable subchondral trabeculae, and (3) cartilage without bone trabeculae.
Conclusion: Based on the histologic findings of this study, the following origins and the pathologic progression of osteochondritis dissecans might be assumed: the initial change in the subchondral area is bone necrosis or subchondral fracture; the necrotic bone is then absorbed and replaced either by viable subchondral trabeculae or cartilage without bone trabeculae.
Clinical Relevance: The results of this histologic study provide readers with several insights about the causes and treatment options of osteochondritis dissecans.
A 13-year-old boy was referred to orthopedic surgery for chronic intermittent pain and swelling of the left knee. Initial imaging was consistent with osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle. Follow-up imaging demonstrated unexpected progression, with a mass extending into the notch, replacing the anterior cruciate ligament, and eroding the femoral and tibial condyles.
Background: There are limited evidence-based guidelines to predict which osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions will heal with nonoperative treatment.
Purpose: To train a set of classification algorithms to predict nonoperative OCD healing while identifying new clinically meaningful predictors.
Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.
Introduction: Management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum is challenging. Historically, variability exists between surgeons in the evaluation, treatment, and return to sport criteria. The purpose of this study was to define the current trends regarding evaluation, nonoperative and surgical management, and return to sport criteria for capitellar OCD lesions among surgeons.
Similar to other fields, there is growing evidence of disparities in pediatric sports medicine. For children and adolescents with knee injuries, disparities persist along the lines of sex, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance, socioeconomic status, and other determinants. These factors influence the evaluation, treatment, and outcomes for a variety of knee pathologies, including anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, meniscus tears, osteochondritis dissecans, cartilage injuries, and tibial spine fractures.
