Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: medium-term results of arthroscopic removal of the fragment

An account is given of the results of a mean 74-month follow-up of arthroscopic removal of the osteochondral fragment in a group of 31 athletes (32 knees) with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee, and a mean age of 21 when operated. The clinical and radiographic assessments (based on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) points forms) were satisfactory in 84.4% and 73% of cases respectively. These results, coupled with 90.6% subjective satisfaction show that arthroscopic removal of the osteochondral fragment can be regarded as a sound method. If employed in accordance with the correct indications and technique, it is still a surgical option to be considered along with more recent methods, such as transplantation and fixation.