Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee in Young Athletes

OCD of the knee is a relatively rare condition in young athletes that can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction. Compared with the general population young athletes are at an increased risk for developing knee OCD. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are important for achieving successful outcomes. The primary goals of treatment include symptomatic relief, lesion healing, joint preservation, and return to activities. Although the optimal treatment strategy is currently unknown, most recommendations are based on skeletal maturity, lesion stability, and patient symptoms. Nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation play critical roles for overall success. Although most patients recover and do well, it is essential for sports medicine specialists to appropriately guide management and avoid potential complications.