J Knee Surg 2018; 31(03): 206-211
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1607199
Special Focus Section
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Internal Fixation of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions in the Patellofemoral Joint

Clayton W. Nuelle
1   The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group, San Antonio, Texas
,
Jack Farr
2   Cartilage Restoration Center, OrthoIndy, Greenwood, Indiana
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 March 2017

25 August 2017

Publication Date:
04 October 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the patellofemoral joint can be difficult to identify and treat. Asymptomatic or stable lesions in skeletally immature patients may be treated nonoperatively, but symptomatic lesions often require surgical intervention. Evidence of instability should be carefully evaluated with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography arthrogram. Careful preoperative planning is necessary to ensure the appropriate surgical approach and implants are selected for surgical management. Multiple techniques have been described, but internal fixation of both “classic” and cartilage-only OCD lesions has been shown to have strong outcomes in managing these difficult cases.