Osteochondritis dissecans

Around two-thirds of patients have persistent pain following surgical management of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.[46]Steadman JR, Briggs KK, Rodrigo JJ, et al. Outcomes of microfracture for traumatic chondral defects of the knee: average 11-year follow-up. Arthroscopy. 2003 May-Jun;19(5):477-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12724676?tool=bestpractice.com

Around 40% of patients have persistent pain following surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.[50]Bauer M, Jonsson K, Josephsson PO, et al. Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: A long term follow-up study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992 Nov;(284):156-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1395286?tool=bestpractice.com

The major concern regarding osteochondritis dissecans is loss of articular congruity and early degenerative changes. More studies are needed regarding the long-term outcome in patients with osteochondritis dissecans.

More than 60% of patients had evidence of degenerative change on x-ray following surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum.[50]Bauer M, Jonsson K, Josephsson PO, et al. Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: A long term follow-up study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1992 Nov;(284):156-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1395286?tool=bestpractice.com Similar or worse outcomes would be expected in weight-bearing joints such as the knee and ankle.