您的感受¶
剥脱性骨软骨炎(Osteochondritis dissecans)这个名字听起来很拗口,我们来拆解一下。膝关节光滑表面正下方的一小块骨组织失去了血液供应。这块骨组织及其软骨覆盖层可能会变软、松动,在某些情况下甚至可能作为碎片脱落至关节内部。
棘手之处在于,症状往往模糊且难以明确。您可能感到膝关节深处有钝痛,而不是某个可以指出的具体痛点。许多人会注意到肿胀,膝关节可能会感到僵硬,或者弯曲幅度不如以前。有些人走路时脚向外转,以避开膝关节内侧的疼痛。
某些动作往往会加剧病情。在弯曲膝关节的同时扭转小腿,通常会引起膝关节内侧的疼痛,而问题区域通常就位于此处。运动,尤其是跑步和跳跃,通常会使其恶化。膝关节还可能毫无预兆地突然无力(打软腿),或者如果松动的碎片卡在关节中,可能会短暂锁定。
在日常生活中,这可能会影响简单的事情。蹲下从洗碗机中取出餐具、跪下系鞋带或从地板上起身都可能引起疼痛。上下楼梯可能会不舒服,尤其是下楼时。有些人注意到膝关节在活动后而非活动过程中隐隐作痛,休息后便会缓解。
值得注意的是,这种情况通常在青少年时期被发现,并且在经常进行大量运动的年轻人中最为常见。早期可能完全没有症状,这也是诊断可能需要较长时间的原因之一。如果该骨组织未能愈合,关节表面可能会比预期更早磨损,因此,对于疼痛、肿胀或锁定的膝关节,值得进行检查,而不是硬撑着继续活动。
实际发生了什么¶
请将您的膝关节关节面想象为一层光滑且耐磨的帽状结构,覆盖在骨骼末端。在这层帽状结构下方,有一层骨骼,需要稳定的血液供应才能保持坚固。在这种疾病中,该血液供应在某一小片区域发生障碍。这片骨骼变软,其上方的软骨帽可能松动或脱落,有点像墙上的油漆剥落。
主要问题位于关节面正下方的骨骼中,软骨则受到继发性影响。早期,关节面可能仅出现软化。后期,该区域可能与其周围骨骼分离,形成一个瓣状物或一个在关节内漂浮的游离碎片。正是这个游离碎片导致了卡顿、交锁和打软腿。
该病有两种形式,且区别至关重要。在生长板尚未闭合的年轻人中,该病被称为青少年剥脱性骨软骨炎。生长板是儿童骨骼末端附近的生长组织区域。如果停止反复的冲击负荷,这种形式往往可以自行愈合,且约有一半的病例仅通过休息和活动改变即可愈合。一旦生长板闭合,同样的疾病被称为成人剥脱性骨软骨炎。这种形式很少能在不手术的情况下愈合。
目前尚无人确切知晓血液供应为何会失败。骨骼上的反复应力起了一定作用,身体化学因素和家族史等因素也参与其中。该病灶最常位于股骨内侧的圆形末端,即站立和移动时膝关节承受体重的部位。
您在上文读到的症状直接源于此。软化和肿胀导致深层疼痛。碎片的移位或完全游离导致交锁和打软腿。如果该病灶未能愈合,关节面可能过早磨损,这就是为什么该疾病值得规范治疗,而不是硬撑着继续活动。
我们如何处理该问题¶
X 光通常是首选检查,随后常进行 MRI 扫描,因为它能显示骨块是否稳定或开始松动。
对于生长板尚未闭合的年轻人,我们通常先采取非手术治疗。停止或减少运动往往足以让骨块愈合。部分膝关节通过石膏固定或保护性负重治疗,即限制腿部承受的体重。我们通常给予为期六个月的观察期,并在过程中检查骨骼是否愈合。如果骨块较小,保守治疗可延长至 12 个月。物理治疗旨在骨骼稳定期间保持膝关节的活动度和力量,并缓解扭转动作引起的疼痛。
对于生长板已闭合的成年人,单纯休息很少有效,通常需要进行手术以评估并治疗骨块。合适的手术方式取决于骨块的大小、是否稳定,以及是否位于膝关节的负重区域。这些情况只能在手术过程中通过关节镜(keyhole)观察关节内部来确认。如果骨块仍附着,钻孔可通过促进新的血液供应来鼓励愈合。如果骨块已松动,可将其复位固定,有时需辅以骨移植以帮助其愈合。如果表面损伤无法修复,选项包括从您膝关节其他部位转移健康的骨和软骨栓、使用供体组织,或在实验室中培养您自身的软骨细胞并植入。这些方法各有专属页面,我们将与您讨论哪种适合您的膝关节。
当疼痛持续六个月且无愈合迹象、生长板闭合后症状持续存在、骨块硬化并变得不稳定,或松动的碎片引起问题时,应考虑手术。我们将与您讨论各种选项,并共同决定适合您的膝关节、年龄以及您希望恢复的活动水平的方案。
预期情况¶
预后在很大程度上取决于您的年龄以及骨块是否仍然稳定。对于生长板尚未闭合的年轻人,如本页前文所述,该病症通常可通过休息和暂停运动得到缓解。在成年人中,骨块很少能自行愈合,症状往往持续存在或时好时坏,而非彻底消失。
如果骨块未能愈合,问题通常会缓慢加重。膝关节可能持续酸痛和肿胀,松动的骨碎片可能导致卡顿、交锁或打软腿。从长远来看,从未愈合的关节面可能导致关节过早磨损。大约五分之一的此类骨块患者会在20年内需要进行膝关节置换术。
治疗旨在阻断这一事件链。当骨块得到妥善管理时,大多数人能够恢复日常活动,疼痛减轻,活动度改善。手术在平滑关节面得到正确修复时效果最佳,因此您的外科医生会根据骨块的大小和位置来匹配手术方案。仅移除松动的碎片而不修复关节面往往效果较差,因此这很少是唯一的解决方案。
康复是渐进的,而非瞬间完成的。疼痛和功能通常在数月而非数周内改善,可能需要一年或更长时间才能感受到全部益处。有些人比其他人在更早的时间恢复运动,位于内侧的骨块通常比位于外侧的骨块恢复得更快。结果还取决于诸如您的年龄、症状持续时间以及是否涉及多个骨块等因素。
请注意,没有任何手术是万无一失的。一些软骨手术需要重做,大约四分之一的接受软骨翻修手术的人随后需要再次手术。您的外科医生会与您讨论针对您膝关节的实际情况,而不是承诺特定的结果。
何时就医¶
如果运动后休息数周,膝关节的疼痛、肿胀或交锁症状仍未缓解,或者在活动后持续出现不适,请咨询您的全科医生。如果膝关节经常交锁、卡顿或打软,如果膝关节无法像以前那样充分弯曲,或者疼痛影响睡眠、工作或参与体育运动,请申请专科评估。这些迹象可能表明骨片正在松动,建议尽早检查而非拖延。越早发现该病症,您的治疗选择越多,因为早期的骨片通常可以无手术愈合,而已经松动的骨片通常无法自行愈合。如果膝关节突然交锁且无法伸直,或反复打软,请立即申请评估,不要等到下一个赛季。
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Bony Anatomy¶
- The medial femoral condyle is larger and projects farther posteriorly and distally than the lateral femoral condyle [10].
- The lateral femoral condyle projects farther anteriorly and is wider in the medial-lateral direction than the medial femoral condyle [10].
- The sulcus terminalis is a small ridge on the lateral femoral condyle just distal to the intercondylar notch that separates the patellofemoral and tibiofemoral articular surfaces [10].
- The trochlear groove separates the femoral condyles anteriorly and constitutes the patellofemoral articulation [10].
- The intercondylar notch is of variable width and is the site of attachment of the cruciate ligaments [10].
- The medial tibial plateau is larger than the lateral plateau and is concave in its frontal and sagittal planes [10].
- The lateral tibial plateau is smaller and more circular than the medial plateau, concave in the frontal plane, and convex in the sagittal plane [10].
- The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body with an average thickness of 2.5 cm [10].
- The patellar articular surface contains a vertical central ridge that separates the broader lateral facet from the medial facet, and a smaller, more medial facet called the odd facet [10].
- The posterior slope of the tibial plateau averages 10.7° in the medial plateau and 7.2° in the lateral plateau [14].
- The medial compartment has a large surface area containing a convex femoral condyle and concave tibial plateau [14].
- The lateral compartment has a smaller surface area than the medial compartment and contains a convex femoral condyle and convex lateral plateau in the sagittal plane [14].
- The fibular head is located a mean of 1.5 cm distal to the joint line, with a range of 6 to 32 mm [14].
Vascular Anatomy¶
- The blood supply to the knee is formed from an anastomosis around the knee derived from the descending geniculate artery, medial and lateral superior geniculate arteries, medial and lateral inferior geniculate arteries, middle geniculate artery, and anterior tibial recurrent arteries [10].
- The middle geniculate artery supplies both the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments [10].
- The inferior geniculate arteries pass deep to their respective collateral ligaments [10].
- The blood supply of the patella is derived from the geniculate artery complex with some contribution from the anterior tibial recurrent artery, primarily existing in the middle to inferior portions of the patella [10].
- The middle genicular artery courses anteriorly in the median septum to nourish the tissues of the intercondylar notch of the femur [24].
Ligament Anatomy¶
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) travels from the medial border of the lateral femoral condyle to its insertion site anterolateral to the medial tibial spine [4].
- The ACL prevents anterior translation and rotation of the tibia on the femur [4].
- The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevents posterior subluxation of the tibia on the femur [4].
- The PCL runs from the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle to the posterior aspect of the tibia, just below the joint line [4].
- The medial collateral ligament has superficial and deep portions that stabilize the knee to valgus stresses [4].
- The lateral collateral ligament runs from the lateral femoral condyle to the head of the fibula and is the main stabilizer against varus stress [4].
- The popliteofibular ligament is present in 90% of knees and runs from the tendon of the popliteus muscle to the styloid on the posterior fibular head [4].
- The ACL is composed of 90% type I collagen and 10% type III collagen [10].
- The mean length of the ACL is 33 mm and the mean midsubstance width is 11 mm [10].
- The femoral attachment of the ACL is a semicircular area on the posteromedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, measuring 20 mm long and 10 mm wide [10].
- The tibial attachment of the ACL is a broad, irregular, oval-shaped area measuring 30 mm long and 10 mm wide, located slightly medial and anterior to the midline between the medial and lateral tibial spinous processes [10].
- The PCL has an average length of 38 mm and a mean diameter at the midpoint of 13 mm [22].
- The PCL arises from the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle and inserts onto the posterior tibia [22].
- The PCL has two distinct bundles defined by their insertion on the femur: an anterolateral (AL) bundle and a posteromedial (PM) bundle [22].
- The AL bundle of the PCL is larger and comprises 85% of the PCL's cross-sectional area [22].
- The PCL inserts onto a midline depression on the tibia, 10 to 15 mm below the level of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus [22].
- The AL bundle of the PCL occupies the superolateral aspect of the tibial footprint, with the PM bundle occupying the inferomedial aspect of the intercondylar fossa [22].
- Meniscofemoral ligaments are present in at least one form in 93% of knees [22].
- The meniscofemoral ligaments connect the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus to the intercondylar notch [22].
Menisci¶
- The menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilaginous disks that provide shock absorption, increase congruency between joint surfaces, enhance joint stability, and aid in distribution of synovial fluid [4].
- The medial meniscus is firmly attached to the joint capsule along its entire peripheral edge [4].
- The lateral meniscus is attached to the anterior and posterior capsule, but there is a region posterolaterally where it is not firmly attached [4].
- The medial meniscus has less mobility than the lateral meniscus and is more susceptible to tearing when trapped between the femoral condyle and tibial plateau [4].
- The lateral meniscus is larger than the medial meniscus and carries a greater share of the lateral compartment pressure than the medial meniscus carries for the medial compartment [4].
- The menisci are crescent-shaped, fibrocartilaginous structures with a triangular cross section [14].
- The menisci consist of type I collagen fibers arranged obliquely, radially, and vertically [14].
- The vascular supply of the menisci is derived from the geniculate arteries, which penetrate into 20% to 30% of the peripheral medial meniscus and 10% to 25% of the peripheral lateral meniscus [14].
- The medial meniscus is crescent-shaped and attaches more anteriorly and posteriorly [14].
- The lateral meniscus has a circular shape, covers a larger proportion of the tibial plateau, and has an anterior attachment adjacent to the tibial insertion of the ACL [14].
Pathophysiology of Osteochondritis Dissecans¶
- Histologic findings in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) suggest a failure of ossification secondary to ischemia of the developing cartilage in the epiphysis [9].
- OCD lesions are classically located on the medial femoral condyle, though they may occur in the lateral condyle or the trochlea [9].
- In a large epidemiologic study of OCD lesions in adults, the most common location for lesions was the ankle rather than the knee [1].
- Men had a higher incidence of OCD lesions than women and were more likely to have a lateral femoral condyle lesion [1].
- Juvenile OCD of the knee is a result of failure of the blood supply to growth cartilage and osteochondrosis [15].
- Histologic changes in juvenile OCD lesions are identical to osteochondrosis seen in animals and represent failure of epiphyseal cartilage canal blood supply with ischemic chondronecrosis [15].
- Multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms may be associated with a genetic basis for OCD [1].
- Vitamin D3 deficiency was associated with high-grade OCD lesions in a review of mostly an adult population [1].
- Patients with OCD had larger tibial spines compared to a control group, whereas intercondylar height was not statistically different [16].
- Playing basketball or soccer was statistically significant for the presence of a trochlear OCD lesion, suggesting repetitive patellofemoral loading may play a role in disease pathogenesis [17].
- Baseball and softball catchers presented at an earlier age and had more posterior femoral condylar involvement compared with noncatchers [18].
- 14.5% of patients with symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus also had a lateral femoral condyle OCD lesion [1].
- Males, younger patients (age 5 to 11 years), and type C meniscal shifts seen on MRI were risk factors for lateral condyle OCD concurrent with discoid lateral meniscus [1].
- Age seems to be a risk factor for instability, with older children more likely to have unstable lesions [9].
- The presence of an underlying high-signal intensity line between the lesion and underlying bone, a cystic area, or a focal articular defect on MRI indicates instability [9].
- MRI alone should not be used to determine lesion stability, as recent studies have reported less specificity and sensitivity than previously thought [9].
- OCD of the knee in children with open physes usually heals when treated with cast immobilization or protected weight bearing [9].
- Lesions with increased size, associated swelling, and mechanical symptoms are less likely to heal [9].
- Specific indications for operative treatment of OCD in children include prolonged pain without evidence of healing during a 6-month period, an unhealed lesion in which symptoms persist after physeal closure, a sclerotic lesion in the crater (unstable lesion), and a troublesome loose body [9].
- In skeletally mature individuals, surgery is necessary to evaluate the lesion and implement treatment [9].
- Up to 12 months of conservative treatment might be successful if cyst-like lesions are less than 1.3 mm in length as seen on MRI [9].
- OCD of the knee usually is unilateral and may be painful [9].
- There are no specific physical findings diagnostic of OCD of the knee [9].
- Patients with OCD may complain of pain or mechanical symptoms [9].
- MRI is a highly sensitive method for detection of OCD and can aid in determining if a lesion is stable or unstable [9].
- OCD in children should not be confused with anomalous ossification centers, which may be present in both condyles and in both knees [9].
- Comparison radiographs of the affected and unaffected knees are advised to distinguish OCD from anomalous ossification centers [9].
- MRI findings seem to be different for anomalous ossification centers and OCD [9].
- Whether the lesion is drilled, excised, curetted, replaced and pinned, or bone grafted depends on the size, stability, and weight-bearing nature of the lesion, which can be determined only at surgery [9].
Classification¶
- MR contrast arthrography (MRA) has been utilized in the evaluation of osteochondritis dissecans [2].
- The value of MR imaging in determining lesion stability and the presence of articular cartilage defects in osteochondritis dissecans of the knee has been established [3].
- MR criteria for the stability of osteochondritis dissecans in the knee and ankle have been reassessed [3].
- Radiographic and MR findings can be used to predict the outcome of untreated osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyles [3].
- Wilson’s sign has been revisited in the context of osteochondritis dissecans [3].
- Stage-I osteochondritis dissecans can be distinguished from normal variants of ossification in the knee in children [3].
- The arthroscopic classification and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum has been described [3].
- Internal fixation of unstable Cahill type-2C osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee in adolescent patients has been reported [3].
Clinical Presentation¶
Epidemiology and Demographics¶
- In a large epidemiologic study of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in adults, the most common location for lesions was the ankle rather than the knee [7].
- In a large epidemiologic study of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in adults, men had a higher incidence of lesions than women [7].
- In a large epidemiologic study of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in adults, men were more likely to have a lateral femoral condyle lesion [7].
Associated Risk Factors and Pathogenesis¶
- In patients with symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus, 14.5% also had a lateral femoral condyle OCD lesion over a 15-year study period [8].
- Males, younger patients (age 5 to 11 years), and type C meniscal shifts seen on MRI were risk factors for lateral femoral condyle OCD concurrent with discoid lateral meniscus [8].
- Multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms may be associated with a genetic basis for juvenile osteochondritis dissecans [9].
- Histologic changes in juvenile OCD lesions of the knee represented failure of epiphyseal cartilage canal blood supply with ischemic chondronecrosis, identical to osteochondrosis seen in animals [15].
- Patients with OCD had larger tibial spines compared to a control group, while intercondylar height was not statistically different [16].
- Playing either basketball or soccer was statistically significant for the presence of a trochlear OCD lesion, suggesting repetitive patellofemoral loading may play a role in disease pathogenesis [17].
- Children and adolescent baseball/softball catchers presented at an earlier age and had more posterior femoral condylar involvement compared with noncatchers [18].
Investigations¶
Radiography¶
- Plain radiographs are appropriate initial imaging studies for most knee conditions because they allow the assessment of traumatic injury, arthritis, patellofemoral alignment, osteochondral injury, bone neoplasm, and surgical implants [7].
- Radiographic studies help confirm the clinical diagnosis of a joint disorder determined using the patient’s history and physical examination [7].
- Imaging studies for the knee should include at least two perpendicular views: AP and lateral [7].
- Weight-bearing AP (extension) views are used to assess cartilage loss from the distal femur and tibial plateau [7].
- Weight-bearing PA (Rosenberg; flexion) views are used to assess cartilage loss from the posterior femur and tibial plateau [7].
- Patellofemoral views are used to assess patellofemoral alignment (tilt/subluxation), patellar and trochlear morphology, osteochondral injury, and patellofemoral arthritis [7].
- The notch view is used to assess posterior femoral cartilage, notch width, and osteophytes [7].
- For osteochondral defects, radiography may identify subchondral radiolucency, which is most common in the medial femoral condyle [7].
- Radiographic evaluations are essential when diagnosing an OCD lesion of the knee and elbow [30].
- Supine AP knee radiographs are most frequently used but do not adequately estimate the joint space width [31].
- Plain frontal radiographs of the knee may not accurately display the actual joint space due to different cartilage wear patterns, meniscal integrity, or variances in tibial slopes [31].
- A 45° standing flexion view was introduced to improve evaluation of the joint space [31].
- The fixed flexion view (FFV) technique uses a fixed X-ray irradiation angle of 10° caudal direction with the limb position fixed relative to the cassette [31].
- The Lyon Schuss view (LSV) uses the same posture as the FFV but requires fluoroscopic adjustment of the irradiation angle relative to the medial tibial plateau [31].
- The Lyon Schuss view is more accurate for measuring the actual joint space width than the FFV [31].
- The radiation exposure dose for the Lyon Schuss view is higher than for the FFV [31].
- Positioning for the Lyon Schuss view is more complex and time-consuming than for the FFV [31].
- Goniometer readings of long limb alignment or measured on an FFV correlated well with the angle measured on long limb radiographs [31].
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)¶
- Advanced radiographic imaging studies may help assess overall limb alignment and further delineate intra-articular and extra-articular soft tissues, including cartilage, menisci, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerve and vascular structures [7].
- Increasing strength of the magnetic field (measured in Tesla units) increases the resolution of images [7].
- An injected contrast agent (intravenous or intra-articular) may help delineate specific tissues of interest in MRI [7].
- MRI may identify the degree of articular cartilage injury (chondrosis, full-thickness cartilage loss), the presence of associated bone marrow edema, and the location (medial condyle, lateral condyle, trochlea, patella; anterior, posterior) [7].
- Important aspects of OCD lesions may be better seen with MRI [30].
- MRI is the most useful study for differentiating osteonecrosis from other conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans, transient osteoporosis, bone bruises, or occult fractures [33].
- Bone edema on MRI is a common feature of OA, osteonecrosis, cartilage injury, and transient regional osteoporosis [33].
- Serpentine lesions within a well-demarcated border is a specific finding on MRI for osteonecrosis [33].
- MRI is grossly overused in the arthritic patient population [28].
- If the joint space is significantly narrowed on radiograph, then MRI is not indicated [28].
- MRI is used when osteonecrosis is suspected [28].
Computed Tomography (CT)¶
- Computed tomography provides a three-dimensional study performed with ionizing radiation that provides enhanced bone detail [7].
- Imaging in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes may help visualize fracture lines and displacement, osteolytic lesions around joint arthroplasty, and cortical disruption in cases of infection or neoplasia [7].
- Three-dimensional reconstructions may help with preoperative planning for complex intra-articular fractures, multiplanar osteotomy for limb malalignment, and reconstitution of bone loss in joint arthroplasty [7].
- Axial plane imaging of the hip and knee can help assess the rotational alignment of components of a total knee arthroplasty in cases of patellar maltracking [7].
- Three-dimensional CT with remodeling is used for preoperative planning for reconstruction associated with dysplasia, post-trauma planning, and complex total knee arthroplasty (TKA) planning [28].
Nuclear Medicine¶
- Nuclear medicine involves labeled radionuclide injection followed by delayed imaging of gamma radiation [7].
- Areas of increased radionuclide concentration appear bright or “hot” on nuclear medicine imaging [7].
- Nuclear medicine provides a nonspecific study that does not define the etiology of an abnormality but rather the presence of an abnormality that may correlate with a clinical concern [7].
- Increased radionuclide activity in bone may be a normal postoperative finding for up to 6 to 12 months after a fracture repair or arthroplasty [7].
- Technetium-99 (Tc-99) is a radionuclide that may help identify infection, neoplasia, occult fracture, bone healing, active phases of heterotopic ossification, implant loosening, or failure of osseointegration [7].
- Gallium-67 (Ga-67) is a radionuclide that may help differentiate between aseptic and septic prosthetic loosening [7].
- 24 to 72 hours are needed for a complete Gallium-67 study [7].
Clinical Assessment Context¶
- Physical examination along with radiographic or advanced imaging findings must be used concomitantly to determine the source of each patient’s symptoms and to determine appropriate surgical intervention when nonsurgical measures have failed [6].
- Assessment of the joint must combine physical examination along with radiographic (including full-length alignment views) and MRI findings [34].
- Assessing the potential instability of an OCD lesion is key to early treatment [30].
Treatment¶
Non-Operative Management¶
- In children with open physes, osteochondritis dissecans of the knee usually heals when treated with cast immobilization or protected weight bearing [9].
- Nonoperative treatment should always be considered in patients with open physes [9].
- Specific indications for operative treatment in children include prolonged pain without evidence of healing during a 6-month period [9].
- Specific indications for operative treatment in children include an unhealed lesion in which symptoms persist after physeal closure [9].
- Specific indications for operative treatment in children include a sclerotic lesion in the crater (unstable lesion) [9].
- Specific indications for operative treatment in children include a troublesome loose body [9].
- Up to 12 months of conservative treatment might be successful in skeletally mature individuals if cyst-like lesions are less than 1.3 mm in length as seen on MRI [9].
- Nonsurgical measures for articular cartilage injuries include activity modification, weight loss, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy [6].
Operative Management¶
- The choice of surgical procedure (drilling, excision, curettage, replacement/pinning, or bone grafting) depends on the size, stability, and weight-bearing nature of the lesion [9].
- If gross instability is present in children, results are generally better after operative than after conservative treatment [9].
- Lesions with increased size, associated swelling, and mechanical symptoms are less likely to heal with nonoperative treatment [9].
- Arthroscopic débridement is a surgical option for articular cartilage injuries in the knee [6].
- Osteochondral grafting is a surgical option for articular cartilage injuries in the knee [6].
- Realignment osteotomy is a surgical option for articular cartilage injuries in the knee [6].
- Knee arthroplasty is a surgical option for articular cartilage injuries in the knee [6].
- Débridement and chondroplasty are recommended for symptomatic articular cartilage lesions [35].
- Displaced osteochondral fragments can sometimes be replaced and secured with small recessed screws or absorbable pins [35].
- Marrow-stimulating techniques include microfracture, drilling, and abrasion arthroplasty [35].
- Marrow-stimulating techniques involve perforation of the subchondral bone after removal of the “tidemark” cartilage, with eventual clot formation and fibrocartilaginous repair tissue [35].
- Marrow-stimulating techniques result in Type I collagen with inferior wear characteristics [35].
- Good clinical results in small defects (<2 to 3 cm²) are obtained in 60% to 80% of patients undergoing marrow-stimulating techniques [35].
- Osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) or mosaicplasty can be used to address medium-sized lesions (2–3 cm²) that include subchondral bone loss [35].
- Lateral trochlea and medial trochlea are acceptable harvest locations for osteochondral autografts [35].
- Complications of osteochondral autograft transfer include donor site morbidity [35].
- Osteochondral allograft transplant utilizes cadaveric donor plugs [35].
- Osteochondral allografts can be used for larger lesions (≥4 cm²), especially with bone loss [35].
- Main concerns with osteochondral allografts include the small risk of disease transmission and chondrocyte viability [35].
- Osteochondral allografts are ideally used within 14 to 28 days of donor death [35].
- Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is a two-stage process involving biopsy of the patient’s articular cartilage, ex vivo expansion, and subsequent implantation into the defect [35].
- ACI allows for the creation of type II collagen–rich hyaline-like cartilage with minimal type I collagen or fibrocartilage [35].
- ACI is indicated for medium-sized to larger chondral lesions without bony defects [35].
- Complications related to ACI include chondrocyte overgrowth, periosteal flap hypertrophy, and the morbidity of the second surgical procedure [35].
- Condylar lesions undergoing cartilage restoration techniques demonstrate superior outcomes compared with patellofemoral lesions [35].
- For smaller lesions, microfracture, OAT, and ACI have similar recovery periods and functional results [35].
- Variable long-term results are observed following microfracture in high-demand patients [35].
- Age, lesion size, patient’s desired activity level, alignment, meniscal integrity, and ligamentous stability must be taken into consideration in selection of the appropriate treatment option for focal cartilaginous lesions [35].
- Concomitant osteotomies to correct malalignment should be considered in the management of focal cartilaginous lesions [35].
- Diffuse chondral damage is a relative contraindication to microfracture, chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral transfer [35].
- Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft remains investigational [35].
- Retroarticular drilling without bone grafting is a treatment option for stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [3].
- Antegrade drilling is a treatment option for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [3].
- Bioabsorbable lag screw fixation is a treatment option for knee osteochondritis dissecans in the skeletally immature [3].
- Extraarticular drilling is a treatment option for stable osteochondritis dissecans in the skeletally immature knee [3].
- Extraarticular, intra-epiphyseal drilling is a treatment option for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [3].
- Lesion fixation using bioabsorbable pins is a treatment option for unstable osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [8].
- Extra-articular retrograde drilling is a treatment option for juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [8].
- Arthroscopic preparation and internal fixation is a treatment option for an unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the knee [8].
- Retro-articular drilling and bone grafting is a treatment option for juvenile knee osteochondritis dissecans [8].
- The AO hook fixation system is a treatment option for knee osteochondritis dissecans [8].
- Compressive fixation of osteochondritis dissecans fragments with Herbert screws is a treatment option [2].
- Arthroscopic use of the Herbert screw is a treatment option for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [2].
- Treatment with cannulated screws is a historical treatment option for osteochondritis dissecans [2].
- Autogenous osteochondral grafts (mosaicplasty) are used in the treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee [3].
- Biodegradable rods are used in the treatment of adult osteochondritis dissecans of the knee [3].
- Osteochondral allografts are used in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the knee [2].
Complications¶
- In a large epidemiologic study of OCD lesions in adults, men had a higher incidence of lesions than women [7].
- In a large epidemiologic study of OCD lesions in adults, men were more likely to have a lateral femoral condyle lesion [7].
- Over a 15-year study period, 14.5% of patients with symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus also had a lateral femoral condyle OCD lesion [8].
- Males are a risk factor for lateral femoral condyle OCD concurrent with discoid lateral meniscus [8].
- Younger patients (age 5 to 11 years) are a risk factor for lateral femoral condyle OCD concurrent with discoid lateral meniscus [8].
- Type C meniscal shifts seen on MRI are a risk factor for lateral femoral condyle OCD concurrent with discoid lateral meniscus [8].
- Histologic changes in juvenile OCD lesions detected in pediatric cadaver knee specimens were identical to osteochondrosis seen in animals [15].
- Juvenile OCD lesions represent failure of epiphyseal cartilage canal blood supply with ischemic chondronecrosis [15].
- Patients with OCD had larger tibial spines compared to a matched control group [16].
- Intercondylar notch height in patients with OCD was not statistically different from that in the control group [16].
- Playing basketball was statistically significant for the presence of a trochlear OCD lesion [17].
- Playing soccer was statistically significant for the presence of a trochlear OCD lesion [17].
- Children and adolescent baseball/softball catchers presented at an earlier age than noncatchers with OCD lesions [18].
- Children and adolescent baseball/softball catchers had more posterior femoral condylar involvement compared with noncatchers [18].
References¶
[1] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update. Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee and Elbow* > Annotated References.
[2] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH BONE-PATELLAR TENDON-BONE GRAFT > OPEN WOUNDS OF THE KNEE JOINT.
[3] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ARTICULAR SURFACE WITH OSTEOCHONDRAL PLUG GRAFTS FOR OSTEOCHONDROSIS OF THE CAPITELLUM > OSTEochondrosis and Epiphysitis > Freiberg Disease; Osteochondrosis of the Ankle, Knee, and Elbow; and Osgood-Schlatter Disease.
[4] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 3Sports Medicine > Image KNEE INJURIES.
[6] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Knee Arthroscopy and Preservation, Knee Reconstruction > Introduction.
[7] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Radiographic Evaluation and Surgical Anatomy of the Knee > I. Radiographic Evaluation.
[8] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ARTICULAR SURFACE WITH OSTEOCHONDRAL PLUG GRAFTS FOR OSTEOCHONDROSIS OF THE CAPITELLUM > REFERENCES > FREIBERG DISEASE; OSTEOCHONDROSIS OF THE ANKLE, KNEE, AND ELBOW; AND OSGOOD-SCHLATTER DISEASE.
[9] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. CONGENITAL ANOMALIES OF THE TRUNK AND UPPER EXTREMITY > OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS OF THE KNEE.
[10] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Knee > I. Anatomy.
[14] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Radiographic Evaluation and Surgical Anatomy of the Knee > II. Surgical Anatomy of the Knee.
[15] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. CORRECTION OF KNEE FLEXION CONTRACTURE WITH CIRCULAR-FRAME EXTERNAL FIXATION > TECHNIQUE 34.42.
[16] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. ARTHROSCOPIC EXAMINATION AND DEBRIDEMENT OF THE ANKLE JOINT > ARTHROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF THE KNEE.
[17] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. KNEE.
[18] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. OPEN REDUCTION AND REPAIR OF PATELLAR DISLOCATION > KNEE AND PROXIMAL TIBIOFIBULAR JOINT.
[22] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 59: Patellar Fractures and Dislocations and Extensor Mechanism Injuries > Posterior Knee Anatomy.
[24] Campbell S Operative Orthopaedics 4 Volume Set. SINGLE-INCISION POSTEROLATERAL APPROACH TO THE LATERAL AND POSTERIOR MALLEOLI > POSTEROLATERAL AND POSTEROMEDIAL APPROACHES TO THE KNEE.
[28] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > SECTION 11 KNEE ARTHRITIS ASSESSMENT.
[30] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update. Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee and Elbow* > Summary.
[31] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Knee Anatomy > Imaging (Radiograph, MRI, CT Scan, Dynamic Versus Static) > Radiograph.
[33] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. General Evaluation of the Knee Patient > III. Osteonecrosis.
[34] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 13 Ebook Without Multimedia. Knee Arthroscopy and Preservation, Knee Reconstruction > Summary.
[35] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > OSTEOCHONDRAL LESIONS > 1. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD).
