Osteochondritis Dissecans
Treatment
Treatment is based on what age the patient began presenting with the previously mentioned symptoms (*See Differential Diagnosis>Osteochondritis Dissecans).
Nonsurgical:
Surgical:
Nonsurgical:
- Activity modification
- Crutches for weight-bearing relief
- Discontinue sports activities
- Knee ROM exercises
- Medications (NSAIDS and non-anti-inflammatory for younger patients)
- Strengthening exercises (for patients with no loose bodies or unstable lesions)
- Weight control
Surgical:
- Open or arthroscopic fixation
- Fragment excision
- Microfracturing
- Osteochondral grafting
- Massive Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation
- Bone-Cartilage Paste Graft
- Second-Generation Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation Plus Bone Graft
- Biomimetic Osteochondral Scaffold
- Bone-Marrow-Derived Cell Transplantation
Prevention
- Avoid excessive or repetitive trauma, especially in younger patients who are skeletally immature
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Maintain proper posture
Education
- Provide the patient with resources and information about Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Monitor symptoms and stop activities that increase symptoms
References
Johnson, M.P. Physical Therapist Management of an Adult with Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee. Physical Therapy. 2005;85:665-675.
Kon, E., Vannini, F., Buda, R., Filardo, G., Cavallo, M., Ruffilli, A., Nanni, M., Di Martino, A., Marcacci, M., & Giannini, S. How to Treat Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: Surgical Techniques and New Trends. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94:e1(1-8).
Kon, E., Vannini, F., Buda, R., Filardo, G., Cavallo, M., Ruffilli, A., Nanni, M., Di Martino, A., Marcacci, M., & Giannini, S. How to Treat Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: Surgical Techniques and New Trends. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94:e1(1-8).