Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: A Case Report

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a focal, idiopathic alteration of subchondral bone with the potential for instability and disruption of adjacent articular cartilage causing pain or discomfort in the knee and, if left untreated, may cause increasing disability and progressive arthritic change of the joint. This article presents a case study of a 16-year-old female who presented with intermittent right lateral knee pain for several years with no acute traumatic injury. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated subchondral changes of the lateral femoral condyle consistent with osteochondritis dissecans. The patient was diagnosed with an unstable OCD of the right knee and underwent surgical treatment. Following treatment, the patient attended formal physical therapy two times per week and began a gradual return to sport protocol at 4 months post-operatively. This case study will demonstrate the complexities surrounding the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for this challenging diagnosis. The importance of accurate imaging and aggressive treatment of unstable OCD lesions will be highlighted.