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JSES International May 2024The etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondritis dissecans (OCDs) lesions remain controversial. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The etiology and pathogenesis of osteochondritis dissecans (OCDs) lesions remain controversial.
METHODS
This review presents the recent evolution about the healing, imaging, pathogenesis, and how to treat OCD of the capitellum in overhead athletes.
RESULTS
Compressive and shear forces to the growing capitellum can cause subchondral separation, leading to OCD, composed of 3 layers: articular fragment, gap, and underlying bone. Subchondral separation can cause ossification arrest (stage IA), followed by cartilage degeneration (stage IB) or delayed ossification (stage IIA), occasionally leading to osteonecrosis (stage IIB) in the articular fragment. Articular cartilage fracture and gap reseparation make the articular fragment unstable. The mean tilting angle of capitellar OCD is 57.6 degrees in throwers. Anteroposterior radiography of the elbow at 45 degrees of flexion (APR45) can increase the diagnostic reliability, showing OCD healing stages, as follows: I) radiolucency, II) delayed ossification, and III) union. Coronal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with an appropriate tilting angle can also increase the reliability. MRI is most useful to show the instability, although it occasionally underestimates. Sonography contributes to detection of early OCD in adolescent throwers on the field. OCD lesions in the central aspect of the capitellum can be more unstable and may not heal. Cast immobilization has a positive effect on healing for stable lesions. Arthroscopic removal provides early return to sports, although a large osteochondral defect is associated with a poor prognosis. Fragment fixation, osteochondral autograft transplantation, and their hybrid technique have provided better results.
DISCUSSION
Further studies are needed to prevent problematic complications of capitellar OCD, such as osteoarthritis and chondrolysis.
PubMed: 38707580
DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2023.09.010 -
Foot and Ankle Clinics Jun 2024Although most commonly found in the knee, elbow, and talar dome, osteochondral lesions can also be found in the subtalar joint and can occur due to either high or low... (Review)
Review
Although most commonly found in the knee, elbow, and talar dome, osteochondral lesions can also be found in the subtalar joint and can occur due to either high or low energy trauma. Diagnosis of these lesions in the subtalar joint is typically confirmed with advanced imaging such as computerized tomography and MRI. Although there are a few published case reports, there is otherwise very limited literature on the prevalence, treatment options, prognosis, or outcomes for patients with osteochondral lesions of the subtalar joint, and thus further research is required in this area.
Topics: Humans; Subtalar Joint; Prognosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Cartilage, Articular
PubMed: 38679435
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2023.07.002 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Sep 2023Preservation of articular cartilage in the setting of acute or chronic injury in the adolescent and young adult knee is paramount for long-term joint health. Achieving...
BACKGROUND
Preservation of articular cartilage in the setting of acute or chronic injury in the adolescent and young adult knee is paramount for long-term joint health. Achieving osseous union, minimizing implant-related injury, and eliminating the need for reoperation for traumatic chondral and osteochondral lesions (OCLs) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) remain a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon.
PURPOSE
To evaluate radiographic healing, patient-reported outcomes, and short-term complications after suture-bridge fixation of chondral fragments, osteochondral fractures, and OCD lesions in the knee.
STUDY DESIGN
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
The study included consecutive patients (38 patients, 40 knees) treated within a single academic sports medicine institution who underwent suture-bridge fixation of an OCL or an OCD lesion of the knee from initiation of the technique in October 2019 through March 2021. The suture-bridge technique entailed bioabsorbable knotless anchors placed on the outside margins of the lesion with multiple strands of hand-tensioned absorbable (No. 0 or No. 1 Vicryl) or nonabsorbable (1.3-mm braided polyester tape) bridging suture. Healing was assessed by radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with MRI scans obtained on all OCD lesions and any chondral-only lesions. MRI scans were available for 33 of 40 (82.5%) knees within 1 year of surgery and were evaluated for lesion healing. Complications and rates and timing of return to sport were evaluated. Patient-reported outcomes in the OCD cohort were evaluated with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) to determine early pain and functional improvement.
RESULTS
In total, 33 (82.5%) lesions demonstrated full union, and no lesions failed treatment. MRI assessment of healing (mean, 5.8 months; range, 3-12 months) demonstrated 9 (64.3%) OCD lesions with full union, 5 (35.7%) OCD lesions with stable union, and no OCD lesions with nonunion. Of the OCLs, 17 (89.5%) had full union, 2 (10.5%) had stable union, and none had nonunion. The 7 bony OCLs without an MRI scan demonstrated complete radiographic union. In 30 (75.0%) lesions, patients returned to sports at a mean of 6.5 months (range, 3.8-10.2 months). KOOS Activities of Daily Living, Pain, Quality of Life, and Symptoms scores demonstrated significant improvement from baseline at 6 months and at 1 year. There were 2 (5%) complications, consisting of reoperation for marginal chondroplasty on an otherwise stable lesion, and re-operation for intial un-treated patellar instability, with no reoperations for failure or revision of the suture-bridge construct.
CONCLUSION
In this series of OCLs and OCD lesions of the knee, suture-bridge fixation demonstrated excellent rates of MRI and radiographic union and good early outcomes with minimal short-term complications. This technique may be used for lesion salvage as an alternative to metallic and nonmetallic screw/tack constructs in the treatment of these challenging lesions. Longer term follow-up and investigation are warranted.
Topics: Adolescent; Young Adult; Humans; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Joint Instability; Activities of Daily Living; Quality of Life; Patellofemoral Joint; Knee Joint; Sutures; Pain; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 37565525
DOI: 10.1177/03635465231189244 -
Journal of Children's Orthopaedics Oct 2023This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in patients presenting with unilateral symptoms and...
PURPOSE
This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in patients presenting with unilateral symptoms and compare this cohort to patients with unilateral disease.
METHODS
Records of patients ≤18 years old from 2003 to 2016 with a diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee and strictly unilateral knee pain were identified. Contralateral (asymptomatic) knee imaging within 1 year of initial presentation was required. Lesion characteristics were evaluated by assessing size, location, and Hefti staging. Both surgical and nonoperative treatments were recorded. Patients with unilateral osteochondritis dissecans were compared to those with bilateral disease.
RESULTS
Eighty patients, 63 males (79%) and 17 females (21%), with an average age of 13.1 years old, were included. Twenty (25%) of the presenting/symptomatic lesions were deemed stable on magnetic resonance imaging. A positive correlation between lesion size and Hefti classification was appreciated. Twelve patients (15%) were found to have bilateral osteochondritis dissecans on contralateral imaging. There was no significant difference in skeletal maturity between patients with bilateral versus unilateral disease. Fifty-two patients (77%) with unilateral disease underwent surgical intervention, while 9 (75%) of those with bilateral disease underwent surgery on either knee. In patients with an asymptomatic contralateral lesion, 67% ultimately underwent surgical intervention on the contralateral knee.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients presenting with unilateral osteochondritis dissecans symptoms, there was a 15% prevalence of bilateral disease, with no difference in age, sex, physeal status, or lesion characteristics between patients with unilateral vs bilateral osteochondritis dissecans lesions. Given the prevalence of asymptomatic contralateral lesions and the required intervention, this study supports early bilateral radiologic knee evaluation.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV, Retrospective Case series.
PubMed: 37799315
DOI: 10.1177/18632521231193711 -
The Physician and Sportsmedicine Dec 2023Osteochondritis dissecans can result in significant limitations in activity, pain, and early osteoarthritis. There are various treatment modalities to address these... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Osteochondritis dissecans can result in significant limitations in activity, pain, and early osteoarthritis. There are various treatment modalities to address these defects. The purpose of this study was to provide a qualitative summary of the various treatment options for unstable osteochondritis dissecans in the knee.
METHODS
A literature search was performed on osteochondritis dissecans in the knee using PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases. The search was completed using a combination of the following terms: 'osteochondritis dissecans,' 'OCD,' 'osteochondral,' 'articular cartilage,' 'repair,' 'surgery,' 'treatment,' 'osteochondral allograft,' 'autologous chondrocyte implantation,' 'unstable,' 'knee,' 'clinical studies.'
RESULTS
A total of 682 studies were found, of which 24 were included in the qualitative analysis. The quality score ranged from 46 to 80, and the mean follow-up ranged from 2 to 17 years. The most common surgical procedures were internal fixation (n = 7 studies), ACI (n = 6), fragment excision (n = 3), MACI (n = 2), bone graft + ACI (n = 2), OCA (n = 2), mosaicplasty/OAT (n = 2), and scaffold (n = 2). Overall, the reported outcome measures were heterogeneous in nature. Post-operative International Knee Documentations Committee (IKDC) scores ranged from 75 to 85 and Lysholm scores ranged from 70 to 93.5. Tegner scores ranged from 4 to 5. Rates of failure, complication, and revision were highly variable across studies and surgical techniques.
CONCLUSION
There are a variety of surgical options for the treatment of unstable osteochondritis dissecans. In skeletally immature patients, internal fixation demonstrated acceptable rates of radiographic union and patient reported outcome measures. In skeletally mature patients with large lesions, MACI and OCA transplantation provided similar patient reported outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Knee Joint; Bone Transplantation; Cartilage, Articular; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Transplantation, Autologous; Follow-Up Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35611658
DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2022.2082262 -
Pediatric Radiology May 2024The likelihood of healing of osteochondritis dissecans decreases with skeletal maturity and there are theories that abnormal biomechanical forces contribute to the...
BACKGROUND
The likelihood of healing of osteochondritis dissecans decreases with skeletal maturity and there are theories that abnormal biomechanical forces contribute to the development and progression of these lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize, according to regional skeletal maturity, the morphology and alignment indices of the patellofemoral joint on MRI in patients with patellar osteochondritis dissecans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
MRI examinations of patients with patellar osteochondritis dissecans obtained between January 2008 and May 2023 were retrospectively reviewed to determine regional skeletal maturity, osteochondritis dissecans lesion size and location, patellar and trochlear morphology (Wiberg/Dejour classifications), and to calculate trochlear sulcus angles, trochlear depth index, lateral trochlear inclination, Insall-Salvati index, Caton-Deschamps index, patellar tendon-lateral trochlear ridge, and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distances. Values were compared between skeletally immature and mature groups.
RESULTS
Sixty-eight children (22 girls, 46 boys, age: 14.0 ± 1.7 years) yielded 74 knees with patellar osteochondritis dissecans lesions, 14 (19%) of which were skeletally mature. The most common anatomic location was over the central patella [median ridge (34/74 - 46%) on the axial images and over the middle third (45/74 - 61%) on the sagittal images]. Overall, mean trochlear sulcus angle (high, 151 ± 11°), trochlear depth index (low, 2.8 ± 1.4 mm), and Insall-Salvati index (borderline, 1.3 ± 0.1) were abnormal for the entire sample. Skeletally mature knees were significantly more likely to have higher (more dysplastic) Dejour types when compared to skeletally immature knees (p < 0.01). Knees in the mature group, compared to immature, had significantly more abnormal mean lateral trochlear inclination (15 ± 8° vs. 19 ± 6°, p = 0.03) and patellar tendon-lateral trochlear ridge distance (5.55 ± 4.31 mm vs. 2.89 ± 4.69 mm, p = 0.04). Half of the knees had ≥ 4 abnormal features that predispose to patellofemoral maltracking; mature knees were significantly (p = 0.02) more likely to have a higher number of abnormal features (> 6 features, 7/14, 50.0%) versus immature knees (0-3 features, 33/60, 55.0%).
CONCLUSION
In children with patellar osteochondritis dissecans, abnormal patellofemoral morphology and alignment indices were common in all patients and more severe in mature knees.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Patellofemoral Joint; Adolescent; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Retrospective Studies; Patella; Child
PubMed: 38573353
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05914-8 -
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Mar 2024To perform a scoping review to identify the available evidence regarding osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To perform a scoping review to identify the available evidence regarding osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
METHODS
An electronic search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases was performed using the following terms: 'Temporomandibular Joint Disorders', 'Osteochondritis Dissecans', 'Joint Loose Bodies' and 'Temporomandibular Joint'. Full-text articles were obtained from the records after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Ten articles were included in the analysis - six case reports, one case series, one retrospective study, one comparative study and one correlational study - with a total of 39 patients. The most frequently reported clinical presentation involved TMJ pain, locked jaw and articular noises (clicking and crepitus). The imaging methods used to identify OCD were radiographs, tomography, arthrography and magnetic resonance imaging. The reported imaging findings varied widely, but the most frequent were (single or multiple) calcified intra-articular loose bodies, signs of degenerative osseous changes, disc displacements, widening of the joint space and alterations in condylar morphology. Seven articles reported treatments (surgical or conservative), but the treatment outcome was not reported in all of the articles, which makes it difficult to make comparisons.
CONCLUSION
OCD of the TMJ may present various non-specific clinical characteristics, and given the heterogeneous imaging findings, multiplanar images are required for an accurate diagnosis. Finally, the results do not allow recommending a standard treatment for OCD of the TMJ.
Topics: Humans; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Retrospective Studies; Temporomandibular Joint; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Radiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Joint Loose Bodies
PubMed: 36631710
DOI: 10.1007/s10006-022-01134-2 -
The Journal of the American Academy of... Jul 2024Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a potentially disabling condition in adolescent and young adults, which is likely multifactorial in origin. In recent... (Review)
Review
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a potentially disabling condition in adolescent and young adults, which is likely multifactorial in origin. In recent years, there have been notable improvements in identification and treatment. Clinical presentation varies based mostly on OCD lesion stability. Patients with stable lesions generally present with vague knee pain and altered gait while mechanical symptoms and effusion are more common with unstable lesions. Lesions most commonly occur on the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle in patients aged 10 to 20 years. Magnetic resonance imaging is vital to diagnose and predict clinical treatment, which is largely based on stability of the fragment. Conservative treatment of stable lesions in patients with open physis is recommended with protected weight-bearing and gradual progression of activities over the course of 3 to 6 months. Stable OCD lesions which failed a nonsurgical course can be treated with transarticular or retrograde drilling while unstable lesions usually require fixation, autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS), or osteochondral allograft transplantation. This review highlights the most current understanding of knee OCD lesions and treatment options with the goal of optimizing outcomes in this difficult pathology.
Topics: Humans; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Knee Joint; Adolescent; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Young Adult; Evidence-Based Medicine; Chondrocytes; Transplantation, Autologous; Child; Bone Transplantation
PubMed: 38295387
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-23-00494 -
Orthopadie (Heidelberg, Germany) Jan 2024Osteochondritis dissecans (OD) is a rare condition with an incidence of 30/100,000. It especially affects male patients aged 10-20 years old. During the staged...
Osteochondritis dissecans (OD) is a rare condition with an incidence of 30/100,000. It especially affects male patients aged 10-20 years old. During the staged progression the osteochondral fragments can detach from their base. These can damage the adjacent articular cartilage, which can lead to premature osteoarthritis. Most commonly affected are the knee, ankle and elbow joints. The exact pathogenesis of OD has so far not been clearly confirmed. Several risk factors that can lead to the development of OD are discussed. These include repeated microtrauma and vascularization disorders that can lead to ischemia of the subchondral bone and to a separation of the fragments close to the joint and therefore to the development of free joint bodies. For an adequate clarification patients should undergo a thorough radiological evaluation including X‑ray imaging followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the integrity of the cartilage-bone formation with determination of the OD stage. The assessment is based on criteria of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). The instability of the cartilage-bone fragment increases with higher stages. Stages I and II with stable cartilage-bone interconnection can be treated conservatively. For stages III and IV, i.e., instability of the OD fragment or the presence of free fragments, surgical treatment should be performed. Primarily, refixation of a free joint body should be carried out depending on the size and vitality of the fragment. In cases of unsuccessful conservative treatment or fixation, a debridement, if necessary in combination with a bone marrow stimulating procedure, can be employed corresponding to the size of the defect. For larger cartilage defects, an osteochondral graft transplantation should be considered. Overall, OD lesions in stages I and II show a good healing tendency under conservative treatment. In cases of incipient unstable OD, refixation can also lead to good clinical and radiological results.
Topics: Humans; Male; Child; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Conservative Treatment; Ankle Joint; Cartilage, Articular; Chondrogenesis; Intra-Articular Fractures; Joint Loose Bodies
PubMed: 38189958
DOI: 10.1007/s00132-023-04461-8 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Nov 2023To investigate the current preferences regarding the work-up and treatment choices of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee, ankle and elbow among...
PURPOSE
To investigate the current preferences regarding the work-up and treatment choices of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee, ankle and elbow among orthopaedic surgeons.
METHODS
An international survey was set up for all European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) members, which assessed various questions on diagnosis and treatment of JOCD of different joints. Respondents answered questions for one or more joints, based on their expertise. Proportions of answers were calculated and compared between joints. Consensus was defined as more than 75% agreement on an item; disagreement was defined as less than 25% agreement.
RESULTS
Fifty physicians responded to the survey, of whom forty-two filled out the questions on the knee, fourteen on the ankle and nine on the elbow. Plain radiography and MRI were the most used imaging modalities for the assessment and follow-up of JOCD in the knee and ankle, but not for the elbow. MRI was also the preferred method to assess the stability of a lesion in the knee and ankle. There was universal agreement on activity and/or sports restriction as the non-operative treatment of choice for JOCD. Size, stability and physeal closure were the most important prognostic factors in determining the operative technique for the elbow. For the knee, these factors were size and stability and for the ankle, these were size and location.
CONCLUSION
Activity and/or sports restriction was the non-operative treatment of choice. Furthermore, plain radiography and MRI were the preferred imaging modalities for the knee and ankle, but not for the elbow. For determining the operative technique, physicians agreed that the size of the lesion is an important prognostic factor in all joints. These findings help us understand how juvenile osteochondritis dissecans is treated in current practice and may provide opportunities for improvement.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level V.
Topics: Humans; Osteochondritis Dissecans; Ankle; Elbow; Knee; Knee Joint; Physicians
PubMed: 37787862
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-023-07563-0