Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder caused by separation of a fragment of articular cartilage and subchondrial bone from the joint surface causing pain, inflammation and joint catching or locking which, if left untreated may cause early onset degenerative arthritis. Overall the condition is not common within an incidence of 3—6 cases per 10 000 adult population; however, it remains the most common cause of a loose body within a joint in adolescents. The knee is the most commonly affected joint (75% cases) with the elbow and ankle being the next most common. The disease affects two distinct populations: 5—15 years and 17—36 years and is defined as either the juvenile or adult form of the condition depending on the status of the epiphyseal plate. Much debate remains regarding the relationship between the juvenile and adult forms and the aetiology and best treatment methods for both conditions. The aim of this article is to review the literature regarding this debate and describe current and future treatment methods for osteochondritis dissecans in general and with specific focus on osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.
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