Epidemiology

Exact prevalence of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 15 and 29 per 100,000 based on knee radiographs, but 1200 per 100,000 based on knee arthroscopy.[5] The condition is more common in males, with a 5:3 male-to-female ratio.[3] The highest rates occur in patients aged 10 to 20 years. [3]Incidence is increasing and mean age of presentation is decreasing as younger children and an increasing number of females participate in competitive sport.[3] There is no evidence to suggest that ethnicity is a factor. More than 70% of the lesions occur on the posterolateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle.

Osteochondral injuries of the talus occur in about 6.5% of all ankle sprains. The majority of these occur between the second and fourth decade of life, with the average age being 27 years.[6] Of these injuries, 56% involve the medial aspect of the talus and 44% involve the lateral aspect of the talus. The male-to-female ratio is 2:1.[6]

In osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum, males are more commonly affected than females. The typical age is between 11 and 23 years.[7] The dominant arm is almost always involved. Bilateral involvement is seen in up to 20% of the patients.[7] It is strongly associated with baseball, gymnastics, weight-lifting, and racquet sports.[8]

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