Oliver S. Schindler
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) characterises a disease process predominately affecting male teenagers and young adults which, as its end-product, yields the separation of osteochondral fragments from the joint surface. The cause of the disease remains unclear and many theories have been developed, none of which has received unequivocal agreement. A multifactorial aetiology including elements of repetitive trauma and vascular insufficiency is henceforth considered most likely. The fundamental principle in the treatment of OCD is the timely recognition of the condition as lesions in the early disease process are more likely to be treated successfully. Most cases fair well with conservative measures. In more advanced stages of the disease, surgical intervention ranging from subchondral drilling to fragment refixation may be required. The primary aim of any intervention is to achieve healing of the subchondral bone, and preservation of the articular cartilage as fragment separation may pave the way for subsequent development of osteoarthritis.
Current Orthopaedics, Volume 21, Issue 1,
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