Repaired osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Had chronic knee pain with intermittent locking. OCD repaired, now for check of fragment union

Patient Data

Age: 22
Gender: Male

Following reattachment surgery

mri

Osteochondral fragment has been retrieved and reattached arthroscopically using 2 dissolvable pins (arrow).  The bone has almost united with a reasonable cover of overlying articular cartilage

Original MRI prior to surgery

Large well-established OCD (arrow) on lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle with a large cavity and separated osteochondral fragment sitting in the supra-patellar recess laterally (arrow)

Case Discussion

Once the OCD fragment has separated it is still worthwhile attempting to reattach in order to establish a smooth articular surface. When reporting MRI it is important to localize the fragment for the surgeon.

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