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Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of juvenile patients who suffered from stage II or III osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee and underwent arthroscopic retrograde drilling and internal fixation with bioabsorbable pins. Design Medical and radiological records from patients aged 11 to 16 years, who underwent arthroscopic treatment for OCD lesions of the knee in 2 tertiary hospitals, were retrospectively reviewed. The procedure was indicated by persistent pain and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All patients underwent retrograde drilling and arthroscopic fixation of the lesion with bioabsorbable pins. MRI was conducted at least 1 year postoperative in all patients to evaluate healing. Functional outcomes were evaluated through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Lysholm, and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) scores. Results A total of 40 patients, with an average age of 13.1 years (range = 11-16 years) and an average follow-up of 6.6 years (range = 3-13 years) were reviewed. MRI findings confirmed the healing of the lesion in 36 out of the 40 (90%) patients. In particular, the healing rate was 95% (20/21) and 84% (16/19) for stage II and stage III, respectively. Lysholm, IKDC, and VAS scores revealed a statistically significant improvement ( P < 0.05) at final follow-up in comparison to preoperative status. No infection, knee stiffness, or other complication was recorded. Conclusions Retrograde drilling combined with internal fixation with bioabsorbable pins, of stages II and III OCD lesions of the knee provides good to excellent outcomes to juvenile patients, with a high healing rate.

Resumen: Introducción: La osteocondritis disecante juvenil (OCDJ) es una patología adquirida de etiología desconocida que afecta a pacientes esqueléticamente inmaduros y predispone al desarrollo de artrosis. Estudios recientes han reportado una alta prevalencia de deficiencia de vitamina D en pacientes con lesiones osteocondrales. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue determinar los niveles séricos de vitamina D en pacientes diagnosticados con OCDJ. Métodos: Se evaluaron los niveles séricos de 25 hidroxivitamina D de 31 pacientes (22 masculinos) que presentaban 40 lesiones (29 OCDJ de rodilla y 11 de tobillo). La edad promedio fue de 11,9 ± 2,9 años. La hipovitaminosis D se definió como un valor inferior a 30 ng/ml y se dividió en insuficiencia de vitamina D (20 a 30 ng/ml) y deficiencia de vitamina D (

This case summarizes the rehabilitation and return to play management of a 17-year-old elite male soccer player who required surgical stabilization of an Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) lesion of the trochlea groove. Trochlea groove lesions represent1% of OCD cases, resulting in limited evidence to inform practice. The case was initially identified as antalgic running gait, and at this point the player revealed progressively worsening knee pain (over preceding 2 months) which presented as patellofemoral pain with a small knee effusion and quadriceps atrophy present on assessment. No improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks of unloading (no running) and traditional patellofemoral treatment prompted magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans to inform surgical intervention. We present a summary of the four-stage rehabilitation process defined by objective assessments, resulting in a successful return-to-play 24 weeks post-surgery. This case advocates consideration of OCD in the assessment of persistent knee pain in young athletes.

Purpose Factors that contribute to the development of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the talus are poorly understood. Some authors suggest that a higher loading of the affected zone may be a cofactor in osteochondral lesions. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to evaluate any association between ankle morphology and talus JOCD using morphologic parameters from magnetic resonance images. Our hypothesis is that ankles with JOCD lesions would have differences in the anatomy compared with age and sex-matched unaffected ankles. Methods We evaluated a total of 75 extremities. There were 22 patients (25 ankles) with talus JOCD lesions, and 50 patients (50 ankles) sex and age-matched individuals with healthy ankles served as controls. Two examiners conducted independent measurements of 8 magnetic resonance images parameters: tibial anterior surface angle, tibial shaft both malleoli angle (TBM), tibial axis-medial malleolus angle, anterior opening angle of the talus, malleolar width, tibial lateral surface angle, Maximal tibial thickness, length of trochlea tali arc, and height of trochlea tali arc. Measurement reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Differences in parameters between JOCD patients and controls were evaluated using independent t test. The level of significance was taken to be P Results Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated good to excellent consistency for all measurements. Sagittal parameters demonstrated a significant length of trochlea tali arc increase in ankles with JOCD lesions compared with normal ankles (P=0.015). There was no statistical difference in any of the axial or coronal parameters. Conclusions Ankle morphology may have a relationship with JOCD lesions. Future larger studies will be useful for further clarifying our findings, and detecting other potential predisposing factors with clinical relevance and how they can be modified. Study design Cross-sectional study (Level of evidence III).

This report describes a case of radiographically unstable knee juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) that healed without surgery. The authors utilize objective measurements of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate healing of the JOCD lesion and inform the decision to continue the course of conservative care or proceed to surgery. A 15-year-old soccer player presented with a 1-month history of worsening left knee pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an osteochondral lesion of the lateral femoral condyle with highly specific signs of instability including multiple cyst-like lesions (CLL) and large CLL diameter. An approach involving low-impact, low-intensity rehabilitative exercises and other modalities was implemented. Follow-up MRIs were performed at 3, 6, and 8 months to monitor changes and recalculate healing probability using a previously published nomogram. Clinical improvement was measured using outcome assessments. Follow-up MRIs showed a progressive reduction in size and number of CLLs and a resulting increase in healing probability from 20 to 70%. The patient successfully returned to play at just over 8 months after diagnosis. This case highlights that significant healing in knee JOCD is possible during a carefully monitored course of non-operative care, despite imaging signs of instability such as multiple and large CLL.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a rare condition of subchondral bone that has secondary effects on articular cartilage as the condition advances. Traditional treatment for early-stage OCD involves different types of drilling procedures that work to stimulate healthy bone formation via creeping substitution. This article describes a technique that involves a complete removal, or decompression of an early-stage OCD, while preserving the overlying articular cartilage that is augmented with bone grafting and bone marrow aspirate concentrate. This allows for quicker and more reliable healing of early-stage OCD and can minimize the chance for reoperation.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) is a developmental disease characterized by formation of intra-articular (osteo)chondral flaps or fragments. Evidence-based treatment guidelines for JOCD are currently lacking. An animal model would facilitate study of JOCD and evaluation of diagnostic and treatment approaches. The purpose of this study was to assess the suitability of miniature pigs as a model of JOCD at the distal femur. First, stifle (knee) joints harvested from three juvenile miniature pigs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to establish the vascular architecture of the distal femoral epiphyseal cartilage. Second, vessels supplying the axial or abaxial aspects of the medial femoral condyle were surgically interrupted in four additional juvenile miniature pigs, and the developing epiphyseal cartilage lesions were monitored using three consecutive MRI examinations over nine weeks. The miniature pigs were then euthanized, and their distal femora were harvested for histological evaluation. Vascular architecture of the distal femoral epiphyseal cartilage in the miniature pigs was found to be nearly identical to that of juvenile human subjects, characterized by separate vascular beds supplying the axial and abaxial aspects of the condyles. Surgical interruption of the vascular supply to the abaxial aspect of the medial femoral condyle resulted in ischemic cartilage necrosis (a precursor lesion of JOCD) in 75% (3/4) of the miniature pigs. Cartilage lesions were identified during the first MRI performed 3 weeks post-operatively. No clinically apparent JOCD-like lesions developed. In conclusion, miniature pigs are suitable for modeling JOCD precursor lesions. Further investigation of the model is warranted to assess induction of clinically apparent JOCD lesions. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2130-2137, 2019.

The ideal treatment of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) varies according to the chronicity of symptoms and radiographic classification. Traditionally, "stable" OCD lesions of the knee are managed conservatively with limited weight bearing and nonoperative care. However, this can require up to 6 to 12 months of observation, and success rates are estimated at only 59%. By contrast, recent data suggest that early subchondral drilling of OCD lesions may more consistently facilitate new vascular channels and remodeling of the compromised osteochondral unit. When considering overarching health care costs and probabilistic modeling, contemporary treatment paradigms may preferentially suggest early surgical treatment of OCD lesions for greater cost-effectiveness and an optimized timeline for a return to full activity. Additionally, surgery may be prioritized for larger lesions, atypical locations, closing physes, and/or the presence of mechanical symptoms.

A prospective analysis of the effect of autologous adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell (AD-MSCs) therapy in the treatment of a juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the patella. After failed conventional management of JOCD, a 13-year-old patient undergoes intra-articular MSC therapy. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging analyses showed regeneration of cartilage. In this report, the use of AD-MSCs, after unsuccessful conventional JOCD management, resulted in structural, functional and pain improvement. These results highlight the possibility to avoid surgery treatment in JOCD patella treatment.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the talus can be a challenging condition to treat in young patients. Previously described osteochondral autograft transfer techniques for medial talar lesions have been done via open approach, often requiring medial malleolus osteotomy. The purpose of this article is to present an all-arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transfer technique for a medial talar osteochondritis dissecans lesion in a skeletally immature patient.

Summary Objective Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) is similar to osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in animals, which is the result of failure of the cartilage canal blood supply, ischemic chondronecrosis and delayed ossification, or osteochondrosis. The aim of the current study was to determine if osteochondrosis lesions occur at predilection sites for JOCD in children. Method Computed tomographic (CT) scans of 23 knees (13 right, 10 left) from 13 children (9 male, 4 female; 1 month to 11 years old) were evaluated for lesions consisting of focal, sharply demarcated, uniformly hypodense defects in the ossification front. Histological validation was performed in 11 lesions from eight femurs. Results Thirty-two lesions consisting of focal, uniformly hypodense defects in the ossification front were identified in the CT scans of 14 human femurs (7 left, 7 right; male, 7–11 years old). Defects corresponded to areas of ischemic chondronecrosis in sections from all 11 histologically validated lesions. Intra-cartilaginous secondary responses comprising proliferation of adjacent chondrocytes and vessels were detected in six and two lesions, whereas intra-osseous responses including accumulation of chondroclasts and formation of granulation tissue occurred in 10 and six lesions, respectively. One CT cyst-like lesion contained both a pseudocyst and a true cyst in histological sections. Conclusion Changes identical to osteochondrosis in animals were detected at predilection sites for JOCD in children, and confirmed to represent failure of the cartilage canal blood supply and ischemic chondronecrosis in histological sections.

Background osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an ancient disease with few well-described cases in paleopathological records. Here, we report a very rare case of OCD on both lateral femoral condyles and on the lateral condyle of the right tibia in an early medieval human skeleton. Methods macroscopic examination of the bone vestiges of a young male unearthed from a 6th–8th Lombard cemetery in the northeast Italy was perform. Results We observed a circular crater-like depression with well-defined smooth margins and exposure of the trabecular bone on both lateral femoral condyles and in the lateral condyle of the right tibia. The left tibia was fragmented and the lateral condyle was lacking. Findings are consistent with the diagnosis of multifocal juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee. Conclusion Research in past and modern skeletal remains can contribute to define the nature and distribution of OCD.

Current treatment algorithms for stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee have not been established. For arthroscopically stable lesion, in-situ arthroscopic fixation with bioabsorbable pins was introduced as a more desirable approach because of less surgical morbidity and faster recovery. However, there is a paucity of literature that concludes on its efficacy. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy and limitation of in-situ arthroscopic fixation on stable JOCD lesion in the knee. Ninety-six patients with 110 affected knees were reviewed. Subsequently, patients who underwent in-situ arthroscopic fixation for arthroscopically stable JOCD lesions were grouped for further analysis. Arthroscopic lesion stability was graded according to the Guhl's grading system from the surgical description of each lesion. The grade I and II were defined as 'stable' lesions. The lesion status was also evaluated with the MRI grading system described by Dipaola in preoperative images retrospectively. The grade I and II lesions were also defined as 'stable' and more than III as 'unstable'. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Lysholm score at the final office visit. If the patient had a revision surgery, the case was classified as a complete failure. There were 13 lesions in 13 patients with open physis treated with in-situ arthroscopic fixation using bioabsorbable pins. In this population, radiographical lesion status and the Lysholm score were significantly improved in 10 cases (preoperative: 77.5±11.2, postoperative: 98.9±3.1, P=0.002); however, we found three revision cases (failure rate, 23%). Of these revision cases, all lesions were graded as 'unstable' in MRI. In this series, the failure rate was 23% for in-situ arthroscopic fixation for arthroscopically stable JOCD lesion of the knee. Because of the potential risk for underestimation of lesion instability, we strongly suggest that this less invasive approach should be chosen with great care for the lesion that presents arthroscopically stable, but as unstable status on MRI. Level of evidence Level IV, case series.

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans is a pathology affecting young patients that involves the entire osteochondral unit. In the case of unfixable fragments, regenerative cartilage treatments are a viable solution, but little is known about the use of these procedures for the treatment of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results offered by matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation combined with autologous bone grafting for the treatment of JOCD. Methods: Nineteen patients have been enrolled. The mean age at the time of treatment was 16.8 ± 1.5 years, with a mean body mass index of 22.9 ±2.7. The average size of the defects was 2.8 ±1.2 cm2. All patients were evaluated prospectively before surgery and at 12, 24, 60, and at a final follow-up of 120 months with International Knee Documentation Committee scores, EuroQol- Visual Analogue Scale, and the Tegner Score. Results: A statistically significant improvement in all clinical scores was observed from baseline evaluation to 120 months of final follow-up. In particular, the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score improved from the preoperative evaluation of 38.7± 17.3 to 74.0 ± 21.8 at 12 months (P< 0.0005), with scores remaining stable for up to 120 months (83.8 ±20.7), with all follow-ups showing a statistically significant improvement compared with the basal value (P< 0.0005). Three patients failed at 12 months, for a failure rate of 16% at 10 years of follow-up. Lesions >3.5 cm2 obtained worse subjective results. In addition, lesion size and female sex were significantly associated with failures. Conclusions: The matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation technique with autologous bone grafting is a valid treatment option for JOCD in case of unfixable fragments. The clinical improvement obtained is significant and stable, with good results maintained for up to 10 years of follow-up and an overall low failure rate. Lesion size and sex could influence the clinical outcome and should be considered in the treatment choice. Level of Evidence: Level IV—case series.

The purpose of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee in a large cohort treated nonoperatively with unloader bracing versus other nonoperative treatment modalities without unloader bracing. This retrospective study assessed the clinical course of skeletally immature patients who underwent a minimum of 3 months nonoperative treatment for stable JOCD of the femoral condyle at a single institution (2001-2014). Treatment was based on physician preference. Unloader bracing was compared with other 'non-unloader' modalities, with successful nonoperative treatment defined as the avoidance of subsequent surgical intervention. Two hundred ninety-eight patients were included, 219 (73%) of whom were male. The mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 11.5 ± 1.6 years. Thirty-five patients were diagnosed with bilateral OCD, resulting in 333 knees in total. One hundred eighty-seven (56%) knees were treated with unloader bracing for a minimum of 3 months, whereas 146 (44%) were treated with other nonoperative modalities. All patients were treated with activity restrictions. Weight-bearing restrictions were applied for a total of 83 (25%) cases, for durations ranging from 19 to 196 days (median: 46 days) and at similar rates across groups. Nonoperative treatment was successful in 189 (57%) knees with a median follow-up of 9.5 months (interquartile range: 5.9-15.7 months). Surgical intervention was required in 144 (43%) knees at a median time of 6.0 months (interquartile range: 4.1-10.5 months). The unloader bracing group more often required surgical intervention when compared with the nonunloader group [93/187 (50%) vs. 51/146 (35%) knees, respectively; P = 0.02]. Male sex (P = 0.05) and Hefti stage I (P = 0.05) showed possible associations with nonoperative treatment success. Nonoperative treatment for stable JOCD of the knee leads to the avoidance of subsequent surgical intervention in 57% of cases. Unloader bracing is not associated with significantly improved outcomes when compared with other nonoperative modalities. Level of Evidence: III Retrospective Comparative Case Series.

A 13-year-old male basketball player presented to a direct-access physical therapy clinic with a chief complaint of left anterolateral knee pain that began 4 weeks earlier and was exacerbated after playing basketball. Following examination, the patient's primary care physician was consulted and recommended a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which revealed infrapatellar plica synovialis and juvenile osteochondritis dissecans. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(10):762. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8922.

Background Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) is a condition of bone and cartilage lesions. Contributory factors may include ischaemia, trauma, genetic or biomechanical factors such as abnormal joint loading. Children and young people (CYP) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have low physical activity levels, present with joint abnormalities and are exposed to immunosuppression including steroids which may cause reduced bone density. Here we describe JOCD in CYP with JIA in our service. Methods Retrospective reviews of case notes were conducted for current CYP with JIA in our service with known JOCD, detailing: JIA diagnosis Age & BMI at diagnosisSymptom duration pre-diagnosisManagement (including steroids)JOCD diagnosis Age & BMI at diagnosisImagingManagement Results Table 1 summarises the results. Twelve (n = 10 female) CYP in our cohort of 270 had JOCD with 20 lesions diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Polyarticular (n = 4) and extended oligoarticular (n = 5) were the commonest JIA sub-types with all CYP receiving systemic therapy and 75% (n = 9) requiring more than one biologic. Mean symptom duration before JIA diagnosis was 6 months (range: 1-24 months) with a mean age of 6.5 years (range: 1.5-13 years). Mean time to JOCD diagnosis was 5.5 years (range: 1.5-10.25 years) with a mean age of 12 years (range: 8-17 years) and 7 CYP having a high BMI (>85th percentile for age). The mean number of previous steroid injections per JOCD joint was 4 (range: 0-17) compared with 3 (range: 0-8) in the non-JOCD joint. Talar dome lesions (n = 9) were commonest, followed by femoral condyle (n = 4 medial, n = 3 lateral). Initial management was conservative, with half (n = 10) requiring surgery. P09 Table 1 Conclusion This review identifies that 4% (n = 12/270) of our CYP with JIA have known JOCD, compared with 0.03% (n = 29/100,000) of the general population. Risk factors appear to be polyarticular disease, exposure to ≥ 4 steroid injections per joint, biologic-resistant disease and high BMI with low physical activity. Where CYP with JIA report symptoms which do not fit an inflammatory pattern there should be a low threshold to consider JOCD, with prospective research needed to better understand the relationship between JOCD and JIA. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Summary Objective Evaluate articular cartilage by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2∗ mapping within the distal femur and proximal tibia in adolescents with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD). Design JOCD imaging studies acquired between August 2011 and February 2019 with clinical and T2∗ mapping MRI knee images were retrospectively collected and analyzed for 31 participants (9F/22M, 15.0 ± 3.8 years old) with JOCD lesions in the medial femoral condyle (MFC). In total, N = 32 knees with JOCD lesions and N = 14 control knees were assessed. Mean T2∗ values in four articular cartilage regions-of-interest (MFC, lateral femoral condyle (LFC), medial tibia (MT), and lateral tibia (LT)) and lesion volume were measured and analyzed using Wilcoxon-rank-sum tests and Spearman correlation coefficients (R). Results Mean ± standard error T2∗ differences observed between the lesion-sided MFC and the LFC in JOCD-affected knees (28.5 ± 0.9 95% confidence interval [26.8, 30.3] vs 26.3 ± 0.7 [24.8, 27.7] ms, P = 0.088) and between the affected- and control-knee MFC (28.5 ± 0.9 [26.8, 30.3] vs 28.5 ± 0.6 [27.1, 29.9] ms, P = 0.719) were nonsignificant. T2∗ was significantly increased in the lesion-sided MT vs the LT for the JOCD-affected knees (21.5 ± 0.7 [20.1, 22.9] vs 18.0 ± 0.7 [16.5, 19.5] ms, P = 0.002), but this same difference was also observed between the MT and LT in control knees (21.0 ± 0.6 [19.7, 22.3] vs 18.1 ± 1.1 [15.8, 20.4] ms, P = 0.037). There was no significant T2∗ difference between the affected- and control-knee MT (21.5 ± 0.7 [20.1, 22.9] vs 21.0 ± 0.6 [19.7, 22.3] ms, P = 0.905). T2∗ within the lesion-sided MFC was not correlated with patient age (R = 0.20, P = 0.28) or lesion volume (R = 0.06, P = 0.75). T2∗ values were slightly increased near lesions in later-stage JOCD subjects but without statistical significance. Conclusions T2∗ relaxations times were not significantly different from control sites in the articular cartilage overlying JOCD lesions in the MFC or adjacent MT cartilage in early-stage JOCD.

Background Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a pathologic condition accompanied by the gradual destruction of subchondral bone and defects in the overlying articular cartilage. This case series reports the results of allogenic human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) implantation for the treatment of osteochondral defect in two cases of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans. Case presentation Two patients with osteochondral defect of the knee recovered from the disease enough to begin major exercise 1 year after hUCB-MSCs implantation. The IKDC, VAS, and Tegner score of the two patients showed an excellent improvement and concurrent arthroscopy was performed; cartilage regeneration of ICRS grade 1 similar to normal was observed. The modified two-dimensional MOCART scores increased in both cases over time. Conclusion This is the first case series detailing the results of treating juvenile OCD lesions using hUCB-MSCs. This could be an option for treating juvenile OCD.

Background: Repetitive microtrauma may contribute to osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the femoral condyle. The effect of differential loading between OCD weightbearing (WB) zones has not been studied. Purpose: To determine whether clinical and radiographic variables differ by WB zone in lateral femoral condyle OCD lesions. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients aged Results: A total of 62 lateral femoral condyle OCD lesions (mean follow-up, 24.1 months) presented within the study period: 26 WB lesions and 36 nonweightbearing (NWB) lesions. At presentation, no differences between the lesion types were observed in symptom chronicity or symptomatology. NWB lesions were deeper on MRI scans (sagittal depth, 7.11 vs 5.96 mm; P = .046; coronal depth ratio, 0.05 vs 0.01 mm; P = .003), were more likely to develop progeny bone (69.4% vs 44%; P = .047), and demonstrated higher radiographic healing rates (52.8% vs 24%; P = .025) compared with WB lesions. PROMs at follow-up were available for 25 of 62 patients (40.3%), with no statistically significant differences between cohorts at any time. Return to full activity was observed in 72% of WB and 82.1% of NWB lesions ( P = .378). Conclusion: Lateral femoral condyle OCD lesions of the knee in WB and NWB zones presented similarly at initial evaluation; however, NWB lesions demonstrated higher rates of progeny bone formation and radiographic healing at mean 2-year follow-up.

Background While juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions have greater healing potential than equivalent lesions in adults, only 50% of JOCD lesions demonstrate radiographic healing after six months of non-operative treatment. Two previous studies have produced nomograms to predict a patient's probability of healing with non-operative treatment based on patient and lesion characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine inter- and intra-observer reliability of the predictive nomograms. Methods A consecutive series of 34 skeletally immature patients (40 knees), who underwent non-operative treatment for stable JOCD lesions was retrospectively reviewed. At two time points at least one week apart, two medical students, two orthopaedic surgeons, and a radiologist made measurements of the JOCD lesions. These measurements, along with patient ages and pain type, were used to generate a point value for each lesion based on both nomograms. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) were calculated to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. Results We found near perfect intra-rater correlation (ICC) for all raters' individual OCD measurements, as well as total point score for the two nomograms (ICC range, 0.780–0.929). Additionally, there was near perfect inter-rater reliability among raters for total scores and individual components of each nomogram (ICC range, 0.721–0.974). Conclusions There is high inter- and intra-rater reliability for both point systems for predicting healing of JOCD lesions. Clinicians should be aware of these as tools to help guide decision making in patients with JOCD lesions.

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of chronic arthritides presenting in patients aged ≤16 years, with a prevalence of 16 to 150 per 100,000. Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an idiopathic disease of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, has an onset age of 10 to 16 years, and often affects the knee, with a prevalence of 2 to 18 per 100,000. Currently, there are few studies that have evaluated the relationship between JIA and OCD. Hypothesis: OCD is more prevalent in children with JIA, and when diagnosed in such patients, OCD often presents at an advanced state. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The medical records of patients with diagnoses of both JIA and OCD treated between January 2008 and March 2019 at a single children’s hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Associations between timing of diagnoses, number and types of corticosteroid treatments, category of arthritis, timing of diagnoses, and lesion stability were examined with Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: A total of 2021 patients with JIA were identified, 20 of whom (19 female, 1 male) had OCD of the knee and/or talus for a prevalence of 1 in 100 or 1000 in 100,000, or approximately 50 to 500 times that of the general population. These 20 patients had a total of 28 OCD lesions: 43% (9 femur, 3 talus) were radiographically stable over time, 50% (10 femur, 2 patella, 2 talus) were unstable at initial diagnosis, and 7% (2 femur) were initially stable but progressed to unstable lesions despite drilling. Twelve patients (60%) underwent surgery: 4 (20%) with stable femoral lesions for persistent symptoms despite prolonged nonoperative treatment and 8 (40%) for treatment of their unstable lesions (femoral and patellar). Within our study design, we could identify no significant associations between lesion stability and timing of diagnoses, number of joint injections, or limb deformities, nor were there associations between timing of JIA and OCD diagnoses and category of arthritis. Conclusion: In our population of patients with JIA, OCD lesions were found to be 50 to 500 times more prevalent when compared with published rates in the general population and often presented at an advanced state, with instability or delayed healing requiring surgery for stabilization or resolution of symptoms.

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disorder presenting with chronic arthritis with prevalence of 5-20/100,000. Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an idiopathic disease of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, has onset at 10-16 years, often affects the knee and ankle with prevalence of 5-30/100,000. Hypothesis/Purpose: We hypothesize that OCD is more prevalent in JIA, and when diagnosed in JIA, OCD is advanced, often requiring surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with JIA and OCD treated between January 2008 and March 2019 at one children’s hospital. We queried Department of Rheumatology records for JIA patients treated during this interval as well as Departments of Orthopedics and Radiology records for patients with OCD. Demographic information, classification of the stability of OCD lesions by review of magnetic resonance imaging, and clinical details of treatment were recorded. Results: 2,021 JIA patients were identified, 20 of whom (19 girls, 1 boy) had OCD of the knee and/or talus for a prevalence of 1/100 or 1000/100,000, or approximately 30-200x that of the general population. These 20 patients had a total of 28 OCD lesions: 43% (9 femur, 3 talus) were radiographically stable over time, 50% (10 femur, 2 patella, and 2 talus) were unstable at initial diagnosis, and 7% (femur) were initially stable but progressed to unstable lesions despite drilling. Eleven patients (55%) underwent surgery: 5 with stable femoral lesions for persistent symptoms despite prolonged non-operative treatment, and 6 for treatment of their unstable lesions (femur and patella). Of these 11 patients, 3 underwent two or more surgeries for OCDs, and 3 were treated with hemiepiphysiodesis for concomitant genu valgum. Conclusion: OCD lesions are 30-200x more prevalent in JIA compared to the general population. In JIA, OCD often presents at an advanced stage requiring surgery for stabilization. Patients with JIA may benefit by early screening, to potentially allow for treatment of an OCD lesion prior to the progression to instability.

Objectives: Rates of healing following treatment of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the talus remain scarce. Additionally, there is a paucity of research into the outcomes associated with the treatment of these lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic healing of talar dome OCDs in adolescents. Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients ≤18 years of age with talar OCD from a single pediatric institution within a 12-year period. Charts and radiographs were reviewed for demographics and clinical data, lesion’s location and dimensions, and physeal status. The final radiologic healing was evaluated at 1-year follow-up. Complete and incomplete healing groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression models to examine the predictive effects for the independent variables. A nomogram was produced from the study sample to allow predictions to be made in individual patients. Results: Ninety-two lesions in 74 patients with mean age of 13.1 years (range 7.1 to 18.0 years) were analyzed. 60.8% of the patients were female. Thirty-three (41.8%) lesions were treated conservatively, and 59 (58.2%) were treated surgically (drilling, debridement, microfracture, bone grafting, or loose body removal). Thirty-nine (42.4%) lesions demonstrated complete healing. Patients with complete healing were younger (p 0.032) and had lower BMIs (p 0.006) compared to those with incomplete healing. In a multivariate regression model, the factors that correlated significantly were the age, BMI, Berndt and Harty’s stage at presentation and type of treatment (observation vs. surgical). Location and dimension of the lesion, physeal status (open vs. closed), presenting symptoms, and type of surgical procedure showed no association with likelihood of healing. A nomogram was developed using the independent variables that correlated significantly with the likelihood of complete radiographic healing (Figure 1). Conclusion: Complete radiologic healing of juvenile OCDs was more likely in patients with younger age and lower BMI. Although the difference in outcome between various surgical treatment types was not statistically significant, initial management with surgery was more likely to result in a complete healing compared to observation alone. To our knowledge, this is the first time a nomogram predicting outcome in terms of complete radiographic healing has been developed for juvenile OCD lesions of the talus. Besides its potential role in treatment decision making process, this nomogram can be used to counsel patients and their families with regard to the prognosis for healing. Figure 1. Nomogram for predicting outcome of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCDs) lesion of the talus. To use the nomogram, one should place a straight edge vertically so that it touches the designated variable on the axis for each predictor and then should record the value that each of predictor provides on the “Score”. All of the recorded “points” are then summed, and this value is located on the “total score” line with a straight edge. A vertical line drawn down from the “total score” line to the “Prob” line will identify the probability that the patient will demonstrate healing or progression toward healing after 12 months of treatment.

PURPOSE: To determine whether a T2 mapping sequence could depict early changes in the composition and microstructure of cartilage overlying stable lesions of the medial femoral condyle in patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed a sagittal T2 mapping sequence performed between September 1, 2015, and March 31, 2017, on 16 patients (10 boys and six girls; median age, 11.5 years) with 18 stable medial femoral condyle JOCD lesions and 18 age-, sex-, and skeletal maturation–matched control participants (11 boys and seven girls; median age, 11.5 years). Cartilage T2 values were quantitatively measured within regions of interest placed around the cartilage within and overlying the JOCD lesion in patients with JOCD and around the cartilage on the weight-bearing medial femoral condyle in patients with JOCD and controls. Wilcoxon signed rank and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare T2 values. RESULTS: T2 values were significantly higher (P < .001) for cartilage within the JOCD lesion than for cartilage overlying the JOCD lesion in patients with JOCD. However, there were no significant differences in T2 values between cartilage overlying the JOCD lesion and cartilage on the weight-bearing medial femoral condyle in patients with JOCD (P = .67) or in T2 values of the cartilage on the weight-bearing medial femoral condyle between patients with JOCD and controls (P = .30). CONCLUSION: There were no significant quantifiable differences in T2 values of cartilage overlying stable JOCD lesions and normal cartilage on the medial femoral condyle, suggesting no substantial changes in cartilage composition and microstructure. © RSNA, 2018

Background: Although commonly proposed to be the starting point of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD), avascular osteonecrosis (AVN) has been an inconsistent finding in histological studies. Analysis of early-stage lesions is required to elucidate the origins of OCD and justify proper treatment. Purpose: To analyze histological sections of JOCD lesions with special emphasis on bone vitality. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Of 64 patients with 74 JOCD lesions (20 females, mean age, 11.4 years; 44 males, mean age, 12.7 years), 34 required surgery because of lesion instability or failed nonoperative treatment. From 9 patients, 11 histological specimens were obtained. Lesions were classified according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). Two additional histological control sections were harvested from children without JOCD manifestation. Undecalcified histological sections were histomorphometrically analyzed. To analyze the skeletal health of the patients, biochemical analyses with special emphasis on bone metabolism were performed. Results: Histologically, no osteonecrosis was visible in any of the cases. Osteocyte distribution was similar among OCD lesions and controls. ICRS OCD I lesions (n = 6) showed no intralesional separation. In ICRS OCD II and III lesions (n = 5), there was a subchondral fracture concomitant with histological characteristics of active repair mechanism (increased bone formation: osteoid volume P = .008, osteoblast number P = .046; resorption: osteoclast number P = .005; and tissue fibrosis compared with controls). Instead, in ICRS OCD I lesions, subchondral osteoid volume ( P = .010) and osteoblast number ( P = .046) were significantly increased compared with controls; however, no active repair mechanisms (no increased bone resorption or fibrous tissue) were detected, suggesting a focal lack of mineralization. Fifty-seven of 64 patients (89.1%) showed a vitamin D deficiency. The median vitamin D serum level of the patients with ICRS OCD I lesions was 13.6 µg/L. Conclusion: In the present study, osteonecrosis was not found in histological specimens of JOCD. As a secondary finding, focal accumulations of nonmineralized bone matrix indicating a lack of mineralization in ICRS OCD I lesions were revealed. This finding correlated with a low level of vitamin D in the affected children.

Introduction. Concern regarding ability of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to correct for the bone and cartilage pathology of knee juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) exists. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term, patient-based outcomes of ACI treatment of JOCD in young patients. Authors hypothesized long-term outcomes are comparable to reported mid-term outcomes. Methods. A single institution, longitudinal cohort study design combining medical record review and outcome surveys was used. Inclusion criteria included isolated JOCD diagnosis, failed primary healing of operatively treated JOCD, ACI surgery > 5 years ago, and ≤20 years of age at time of ACI. Results. 10/26 eligible patients (38.5%) participated (M: F = 5:5, age at ACI: 18.3 ± 2.5 y, current age: 30.8 ± 5.1 y, and current BMI: 24.6 ± 2.1). Follow-up was 12.0 ± 4.5 y. Lesion size at ACI was 9.1 ± 1.9 cm2. Femoral condyle location was medial = 6 and lateral = 4. All required treatment at some point for knee symptoms after ACI. During the past one year, four patients required treatment. Patient reported outcome scores at 12 years following ACI were IKDC score: 73.0 ± 3.6, KOOS scores including pain [88.7 ± 2.3], symptoms [78.2 ± 4.6], activity of daily living [94.7 ± 1.9], function, sports, and recreational activities [73.0 ± 5.3], and quality of life [57.5 ± 5.8], and Modified Cincinnati Knee Rating score was 77.9 ± 4.1. A moderate to good relationship was found between KOOS symptoms and BMI and lesion size. Function, sports, and recreational activities of the KOOS were greater in participants who had ≤1 lesion prior to ACI procedures (p = 0.044). Conclusion. This study of ACI treatment of knee JOCD patients confirms sustained, long-term results. Number of lesions prior to ACI procedure influenced status of function, sports, and recreational activities.

CASE Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) rarely affects the humeral head. We describe a 14-year-old adolescent who, despite conservative treatment, had persistent pain in the left shoulder as well as limited function. Radiographs and a computed tomography (CT) arthrogram revealed an osteochondral defect of the humeral head. He was managed with an arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transfer from the knee, which provided a satisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION Arthroscopic osteochondral autograft transfer is an effective option for the treatment of OCD of the humeral head.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) was first described to provide an explanation for the nontraumatic development of loose bodies within a joint. Despite many reports on the subject, there remains no clear understanding of the etiology, natural history, or treatment.This review was undertaken to delineate (1) the etiology of OCD; (2) the presentation and locations; (3) the most appropriate imaging modalities; and (4) the most effective treatment strategies.We reviewed the English literature using a database compiled from a Medline search for "osteochondritis dissecans". We identified 1716 publications, 1246 of which were in English. After exclusions, we reviewed 748 articles and of these cited 85. The observations of each study were then synthesized into this report.There appears to be no consensus concerning the etiology of OCD lesions. The presentations and locations are variable, but the knee, ankle, and elbow are most commonly involved. Although plain film assessment is important in OCD, there appears to be a trend toward the use of MRI, but the preferred sequences are in evolution. We found no consensus on the treatment of these lesions, related in part to the lack of agreement of methods for assessing outcomes.Despite more than a century of study, we have made little advancement in our understanding of OCD. A study group has been formed to address this issue and actively seeks to answer these unknown issues regarding OCD.

Introduction: Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans is a pathology that affects the superficial articular cartilage and subchondral bone in patients with open physes. Treatment of this disease is based on patient’s age and the stage of the disease. Methods: 16-year-old patient, athlete, with a history of knee pain on the right side of acute onset, without traumatic history. A physical examination shows pain in the external compartment of the knee. MRI shows a stable lesion that involves the external femoral condyle, over a posterior area of 16 mm by 20mm. Crutches are indicate for walking without body burden. Symptoms continue for six months and there are no changes in MRI. It is decided to do a stabilization with a Herbert type screw. After the surgery, pain persists and in x-ray controls, osteointegration is not observed. Osteosynthesis material is extracted and mosaicplasty is performed. We used Guhl’s intraoperative classification. Results: In this case, for a young patient with Guhl’s lesion type III, the reduction with a Herbert type screw was indicated, as the lesion was stable, of a significant size and congruent. Lesion progressed to type IV in 6 months. Thus, mosaicplasty was performed, obtaining a good functional result according to the physical exam, with a complete range of flexion and extension. A second-look arthroscopic assessment was carried out 2 months after surgery, showing osteointegration and stability of the allogenic graft. Conclusion: The variable of stability of the fragment is very important when determining the treatment. Most of the stable lesions can be successfully treated with a conservative treatment. Also, it has been demonstrated that young patients have a higher rate of healing. Instead, unstable lesions require surgical treatment.

Purpose To retrospectively determine if a modified clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging protocol provides information on the origin of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions and allows for staging on the basis of the proposed natural history of JOCD to better guide clinical management of the disease. Materials and Methods This institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study was performed in 13 consecutive patients (mean age, 14.9 years; age range, 10-22 years; nine male and four female patients) and one additional comparative patient (a 44-year-old man), in which 19 knees with 20 JOCD lesions were imaged. Seventeen lesions occurred in the medial femoral condyle, two occurred in the lateral femoral condyle, and one occurred in the medial trochlea. The clinical 3-T MR imaging protocol was supplemented with a routinely available multiecho gradient-recalled-echo sequence with the shortest attainable echo time of approximately 4 msec (T2* mapping). Results At the earliest manifestation, the lesion was entirely cartilaginous (n = 1). Subsequently, primary cartilaginous lesions within the epiphyseal cartilage developed a rim calcification that originated from normal subjacent bone, which defined a clear cleft between the lesion progeny and the parent bone (n = 9). Secondarily, progeny lesions became ossified (n = 7) while at the same time forming varying degrees of osseous bridging and/or clefting with the parent bone. Two healed lesions with a linear bony scar and one detached lesion were identified. Conclusion The modified MR imaging protocol allowed for identification of the epiphyseal cartilage origin and subsequent stages of ossification in JOCD. The approach allows further elucidation of the natural history of the disease and may better guide clinical management.

Ten years after a meniscectomy of discoid lateral meniscus, a 19-year-old man presented a loose body in his right knee with limited range of motion. At the time of meniscectomy, a stable osteochondritis dissecans in the lateral femoral condyle with a T2 high area in MRI was recognized; however, the lesion was left without surgical treatment. We performed fixation of a fragment and osteochondral grafting. Surgical treatment for stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans still remains controversial; however, drilling will help to increase the healing potential and to prevent lesion progression, especially after meniscectomy that alters the mechanical stress on immature osteochondral structures.

The primary physis is responsible for longitudinal bone growth. Similarly, epiphysial growth relies on endochondral ossification from the circumferential secondary physeal [corrected]. injury can result in disruption of normal ossification. The cause of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) remains elusive. We hypothesized that juvenile OCD results from an insult affecting endochondral ossification from the secondary physis. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the MRI appearance of the distal femoral epiphysis-particularly the secondary physis-of children with juvenile OCD and to compare these findings with the MRI findings of unaffected children.Knee MRI examinations of 30 children (age range, 8 years 8 months to 13 years 4 months) with OCD and 30 matched control patients were evaluated for skeletal maturity; location of the OCD lesion, if present; secondary physeal [corrected] continuity; overlying chondroepiphysial integrity, contour, and width; signal intensity of subchondral bone; and secondary physeal [corrected] conspicuity. Variables were compared using chi-square tests.All children were skeletally immature. Condylar lesions were medial in 24 knees and lateral in six knees. All were in the middle one third, posterior one third, or middle and posterior thirds in the sagittal plane. The majority of lesions spanned the intercondylar and middle one third of the femoral condyle in the coronal plane (73%). There was a significant difference between secondary physeal [corrected] disruption in juvenile OCD condyles compared with unaffected condyles (p0.001) and control condyles (p0.001). Compared with unaffected and control condyles, the OCD group showed chondroepiphysial widening (p0.001) and subchondral bone edema (p0.001) on MRI. Neither chondroepiphysial integrity nor chondroepiphysial contour was significantly different between groups (p = 0.21, p = 0.31, respectively).MRI of children with OCD consistently showed secondary physis disruption, overlying chondroepiphysial widening, and subchondral bone edema. We suggest that disruption of normal endochondral ossification may be associated with juvenile OCD.

Purpose. To assess outcome of 6 juvenile patients with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the ankle treated conservatively. Methods. Records of 4 males and one female aged 10.8 to 14.1 (mean, 12.3) years who underwent cast immobilisation and/or restriction of physical activities for OCD of the talus (4 on the left and 2 on the right) were reviewed. OCD lesions were graded using the Berndt and Harty classification. Functional outcome was assessed using the ankle-hindfoot score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed according to the Higuera classification. Results. The mean follow-up period was 30.5 (range, 11–63) months. The mean ankle-hindfoot score was 90 (range, 86–100). Radiological resolution of OCD was noted in 2 ankles, although all ankles showed some degree of healing. All patients had resolution of pain after a mean of 7 (range, 3–12) months. According to the Higuera classification, clinical outcome was excellent in one and good in 5 ankles, whereas radiological outcome was excellent in 2, good in 2, and fair in 2 ankles. In one patient, the OCD of the right posteromedial talar dome resolved spontaneously. Conclusion. Almost all patients achieved good functional outcome after conservative management, regardless of the presence of radiological evidence of healing. Surgery should only be performed if the OCD is unstable.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an increasingly common cause of knee pain and dysfunction among skeletally immature and young adult patients. An ideal treatment strategy with an optimal surgical technique to repair the osteochondral lesions in these patients is still controversial. The goal of this study is to evaluate and report the clinical and MRI findings for the treatment of OCD in the pediatric knee with bone marrow-derived cell transplantation by using a one-step surgical technique.

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best method to analyze the status of the cartilage and subchondral bone in patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD). METHODS MRI analysis of 122 knees and 132 JOCD lesions in 109 patients who underwent arthroscopic treatment for osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee between March 2003 and January 2011. RESULTS Agreement between MRI and arthroscopic grading was 62.1%. MRI sensitivity was 92% and specificity was 55%. Positive predictive value of MRI was 33% and negative predictive value of MRI was 97%. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of a unstable lesion on the lateral femoral condyle nonweight-bearing location were 15.7 times greater than the odds of an unstable lesion on the medial femoral condyle weight-bearing area (95% confidence interval: 2.6-95.7, P=0.003.) The odds of the lateral femoral condyle weight-bearing lesion having an unstable grade were also greater than for a medial femoral condyle weight-bearing lesion, but the results were not statistically significant (odds ratio, 1.70, P=0.349). CONCLUSIONS A high T2 signal retrograde to the lesion may commonly appear with an early, stable arthroscopic grade lesion. MRI continues to be reliably sensitive to JOCD lesions and a good predictor of low-grade, stable lesions. However, MRI predictability of high-grade, unstable JOCD lesions is less reliable. Lesions in atypical locations, such as the nonweight-bearing surface of the lateral femoral condyle, more commonly present as higher, arthroscopic grade lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, retrospective case series.

Drilling is the most common operative treatment for stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee. However, prognostic factors remain unclear because of lack of precise radiographic and histopathologic investigations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and prognostic factor of the arthroscopic drilling for juvenile OCD lesions at the medial femoral condyle (MFC), using computed tomography (CT) images. Eighteen skeletally immature patients (boys, n = 16; girls, n = 2, mean age, 12 years) underwent arthroscopic antegrade transarticular drilling for a total of 19 OCD lesions of MFC. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Lysholm score at follow-up (mean, 30 months). Preoperative osteochondral condition and postoperative healing were evaluated by CT images. All 18 patients returned to their previous level of sports activity and showed excellent functional outcomes (mean Lysholm score, 77.2 ± 9.4 preoperative vs. 99.5 ± 1.6 postoperative). There were 10 osteochondral lesions and 9 subchondral bone defect lesions under preoperative CT examination. Postoperatively, 15 of 19 lesions healed completely at a mean of 6 months; however, the remaining four lesions (all osteochondral types) did not achieve complete radiographic healing after 2 years. Transarticular drilling for stable juvenile OCD produced excellent functional outcomes. However, the osteochondral type may influence radiographic outcome. Case series, Level IV.

Background The optimal treatment option for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is still controversial. We report the case of a boy who developed osteochondritis dissecans in the lateral femoral condyles of his bilateral knees requiring repeat surgical procedures. There has been no literature reporting juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of bilateral knees requiring repeat surgical procedures. Case presentation A 6-year-old Japanese boy presented with pain in his bilateral knees. Although conservative treatment with prohibition of sports activities was continued for 6 months, healing could not be attained. Conservative treatment consisting of prohibition of sports activities that included running and jumping and use of a brace with a locking mechanism at full extension was applied. He was instructed to walk with the brace. Since his lateral femoral osteochondritis dissecans lesion was located at the contact area during flexion, weight bearing with the use of the brace could effectively unload the lesion. Surgery was subsequently conducted on his left knee which had a more advanced stage lesion. Transchondral drilling was performed because the articular surface maintained its smooth continuity. At 9 months after the surgery, no appreciable healing was observed in the follow-up radiographs. Moreover, during the postoperative time course, lesions suggestive of osteochondritis dissecans in his contralateral right knee had become more evident. Based on the diagnosis of delayed union of bilateral osteochondritis dissecans lesions, a second surgery was attempted. The preceding arthroscopic observation of his left knee showed preserved surface continuity with softening and suspected partial detachment. Considering the delayed healing process observed in this patient, autogenous cylindrical osteochondral graft transplantation (8 mm in diameter) was performed as a revision procedure, while transchondral drilling was performed for the stable osteochondritis dissecans lesion in his right knee. Postoperatively, healing was achieved at 6 months. Conclusions Following failed conservative treatment, he underwent arthroscopic drilling; however, the osteochondritis dissecans lesion did not heal requiring revision surgery using a cylindrical autogenous osteochondral graft. Finally, clinical and radiological healing was attained 6 months after the second surgery. Initial presentation at a young age with bilateral lesions may be clinical factors related to poor healing response and susceptibility to stress-related subchondral lesions.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) knee lesions are common abnormalities in adolescents and children, and have higher rates of spontaneous healing with nonoperative management compared to adult osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions. Multiple classification and assessment systems have been established in order to help clinicians determine which lesions are amenable to nonoperative management. However, these assessments often use adult OCD classification systems of lesion stability, which have poor reliability in JOCD lesions. The purpose of this review is to assess these various classification systems proposed for JOCD lesions.Although arthroscopy remains the gold standard for the definitive assessment of lesion stability, recent evidence suggests that MRI characteristics indicative of instability in adult OCD lesions are not applicable in determining JOCD lesion instability. In addition, the correlation between arthroscopic and MRI indications of instability is highly varied in these younger patients.In order for the pediatric orthopedic surgeon to more accurately predict treatment outcomes in patients with JOCD knee lesions, further investigation into the radiographic characteristics specific to JOCD lesion instability and healing is warranted.

Objectives: While juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions have greater healing potential than equivalent lesions in adults, only 50% of JOCD lesions demonstrate radiographic healing after 6 months of non-operative treatment. Krause et al. (2013) and Wall et al. (2008) have described models to predict a patient's probability of healing with non-operative treatment based on patient and lesion characteristics. The Wall et al. nomogram incorporates normalized lesion length, normalized lesion width, and pain type, while the Krause et al. model includes normalized lesion width, patient age, and the size of concurrent cyst-like lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine inter- and intra-observer reliability of the predictive nomograms. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of children with open physes, who underwent non-operative treatment for stable JOCD lesions. Thirty-four patients (40 knees) were included in the study. At two time points at least one week apart, two medical students, two orthopaedic surgeons, and a radiologist made measurements of the JOCD lesions as described by Wall and Krause. These measurements, along with patient ages and pain type, were used to generate a point value for each lesion based on both the Krause and Wall models. Intra-class correlations (ICC) were calculated using the point value data obtained from the nomograms to determine inter- and intra-rater reliability. Results: Based on the Landis & Koch (1977) threshold, we found near perfect intra-rater correlation for all raters in terms of individual OCD measurements, as well as total point score as calculated by both Krause and Wall methods (Table 1). Additionally, amongst the five raters there was near perfect inter-rater reliabilities in total scores, as well as substantial to near perfect reliability in measuring the individual components of the scores (Table 2). Conclusion: There is high inter- and intra-rater reliability for both the Krause and Wall point systems for predicting healing of JOCD lesions. These models appear to be important tools for helping doctors and patients reliably predict the healing potential of non-operative management of JOCD lesions.

The objective of our study was to correlate specimens of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee to MRI examinations to elucidate the histopathologic basis of characteristic imaging features.Five children (three boys and two girls; age range, 12-13 years old) who underwent transarticular biopsy of juvenile OCD lesions of the knee were retrospectively included in this study. Two radiologists reviewed the MRI examinations and a pathologist reviewed the histopathologic specimens and recorded characteristic features. Digital specimen photographs were calibrated to the size of the respective MR image with the use of a reference scale. Photographs were rendered semitransparent and over-laid onto the MR image with the location chosen on the basis of the site of the prior biopsy.A total of seven biopsy specimens were included. On MRI, all lesions showed cystlike foci in the subchondral bone, bone marrow edema pattern on proton density-or T2-weighted images, and relatively thick unossified epiphyseal cartilage. In four patients, a laminar signal intensity pattern was seen, and two patients had multiple breaks in the subchondral bone plate. Fibrovascular tissue was found at histopathology in all patients. Cleft spaces near the cartilage-bone interface and were seen in all patients while chondrocyte cloning was present in most cases. Focal bone necrosis and inflammation were infrequent MRI findings. Precise correlation of the MRI appearance to the histopathologic overlays consistently was found.A direct correlation exists between the histopathologic findings and the MRI features in patients with juvenile OCD. Additional studies are needed to correlate these MRI features with juvenile OCD healing success rates.

BACKGROUND Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the talus is rare, and the literature provides little data to guide treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate our clinical and radiographic results with arthroscopic retrograde drilling in patients who were refractory to conservative care. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated all patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the talus who underwent surgery for the treatment of stable lesions that failed conservative treatment. Medical records were reviewed for symptoms and demographic information. Preoperative and latest postoperative radiographs were used to determine degree of healing. AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot scale and visual analog scale for pain were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. RESULTS We identified 6 patients (6 ankles). The mean age was 13 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 37 months (range, 16 to 69 mo). All of them had progressed toward healing and were asymptomatic, but only 3 out of 6 had a complete radiographic healing at last follow-up. The average AOFAS Ankle/Hindfoot score improved from 69 points (55 to 75, IQR=10) preoperatively to 98 points (90 to 100, IQR=7) (P

Background: Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) classification systems have been developed to determine the degree of instability of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions. Our current practice involves correlating the patients’ symptoms with their MRI findings, but there are many cases in which this correlation is poor and results in incorrect classification of the stability of a JOCD lesion. Purpose: To determine whether certain MRI findings of JOCD instability are associated with the necessity for arthroscopic intervention to assess lesion stability. A secondary objective was to determine the interobserver agreement of the Kijowski et al (2008) MRI criteria for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients who had documented femoral condyle OCD lesions, had open growth plates, and had been evaluated with serial MRI examinations. Each OCD lesion on MRI was classified according to the Kijowski classification as either stable or likely unstable. Results: The study included 16 patients (17 knees) with 49 MRI examinations. The initial MRI lesion was graded as stable in 59% (10/17), and 7 of these remained stable throughout the study period, with only 1 requiring operative intervention. Two became unstable on MRI, with 1 requiring surgery and 1 reverting back to stable with nonoperative management. The initial MRI lesion was graded as unstable in 41% (7/17) of the knees, with 2 of these becoming stable on MRI during the follow-up period with nonoperative management. The other 5 lesions remained unstable, with 3 eventually requiring surgery. The most important finding in this study was that MRI instability is a poor predictor of the necessity for surgery for JOCD lesions. The correlation between a nonradiologist and a trained musculoskeletal radiologist in the interpretation of the MRI criteria by Kijowski et al showed only substantial agreement for multiple cysts. Conclusion: MRI criteria for OCD instability in the pediatric knee do not always correlate with the necessity for surgery. They are, at times, a helpful adjunct to the management of these patients; however, care must be taken to interpret all available clinical and radiographic information in surgical decision making.

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of preoperative MRI for the staging of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee and the talus in juvenile patients, using arthroscopy as the gold standard of diagnosis. Sixty-three juvenile patients (range 8–16 years) with an OCD of the knee or the talus underwent arthroscopy after MRI. In 54/9 out of 63 cases, 1.5/3 T MR scanners were used. The OCD stage was classified according the staging criteria of Dipaola et al. Arthroscopic findings were compared with MRI reports in each patient. From the 63 juvenile patients, MRI/arthroscopy revealed a stage I OCD in 4/19 patients, stage II in 31/22 patients, stage III in 22/9 patients and stage IV in 6/6 patients. No osteochondral pathology was evident in arthroscopy in seven out of 63 patients. The overall accuracy of preoperative MRI in staging an OCD lesion of the knee or the talus was 41.3 %. In 33 out of 63 patients (52.4 %), arthroscopy revealed a lower OCD stage than in the preoperative MRI grading, and in four out of 63 cases (6.4 %), the intraoperative arthroscopic grading was worse than in preoperative MRI prior to surgery. The utilization of the 3 T MRI provided a correct diagnosis with 44.4 %. Even with today’s modern MRI scanners, it is not possible to predict an accurate OCD stage in children. The children’s orthopaedist should not solely rely on the MRI when it comes to the decision to further conservative or surgical treatment of a juvenile OCD, but rather should take surgical therapy in consideration within persisting symptoms despite a low OCD stage provided by MRI. III.

Management of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of transarticular arthroscopic drilling for isolated stable, juvenile osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the medial femoral condyle with an intact articular surface after 6 months of nonoperative management had failed. We reviewed 30 affected knees in 23 skeletally immature patients (mean age, 12.3 years; range, 8.5 to 16.1) at an average follow-up of 3.9 years (range, 2.0 to 7.2). Functional outcome was determined using the Lysholm score and radiographic outcome was determined using lesion size, and the radiographic score of Rodegerdts and Gleissner. There was significant improvement in the mean Lysholm score (from 58 to 93). There was significant improvement in the mean lesion size on anteroposterior (4.5 ± 5.8 mm decrease) and lateral (8.4 ± 8.1 mm decrease) radiographs. There was also significant improvement in the mean radiographic score (from 3.0 to 1.9). Radiographic healing was achieved in all patients at an average of 4.4 months after drilling (range, 1 to 11 months). Linear regression analysis revealed that younger age was an independent, multivariate predictor of Lysholm score improvement. There were no apparent surgical complications. Given the low morbidity of drilling and the associated improvement in functional and radiographic outcomes, we advocate arthroscopic transarticular drilling for patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the medial femoral condyle with an intact articular surface who have had failure of initial nonoperative management.

Sir James Paget is credited with the first detailed description of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). He termed the condition quiet necrosis. However, it was Koenig in 1887 who coined the term osteochondritis dissecans , based on his theory that the corpora mobile (loose bodies) were the result of fragments of subchondral bone dissected out by a line of inflammation. Originally described in adults, OCD it has been recognized to occur frequently in the skeletally immature individual. Since the term first appeared, there has been controversy and confusion regarding the definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of OCD. This article reviews the current theories of pathophysiology, etiology, and natural history, the clinical evaluation of the patient with suspected OCD; and current and future treatment options.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee are a common cause of knee pain in skeletally immature patients.The authors sought to determine lesion healing rates, the risk factors associated with failure to heal, and the clinical outcomes for patients who underwent internal fixation for unstable OCD lesions. A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent internal fixation of OCD lesions from 1999 to 2009. Using validated scoring systems, clinical outcome and functional activity were evaluated at the follow-up. The study group comprised 19 patients (20 knees). Mean patient age was 14.5 years (range, 12–17 years). Mean clinical follow-up was 7 years (range, 2–13 years). Mean radiographic follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 0.5–9 years). Fourteen (70%) lesions were grade 3 and 6 (30%) were grade 4. Eleven knees had lateral condyle lesions and 9 had medial lesions. Bioabsorbable fixation was used in 13 knees, metal fixation was used in 5 knees, and 2 knees were fixed with a combination of methods. Osseous integration was evident in 15 (75%) of 20 knees at final follow-up. The 5 unhealed lesions were lateral condylar lesions. Mean Tegner activity scores improved from 3.3 preoperatively to 5.6 at final follow-up. Mean Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 86.8 and 88.7, respectively, at final follow-up. Further operative intervention was required in 11 knees, with 50% of patients undergoing removal of hardware and 15% requiring subsequent osteochondral allograft transplantation. The authors recommend bioabsorbable fixation for symptomatic stable lesions and metal compression screws with staged removal for unstable lesions.

Nonoperative treatment of stable juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions of the knee fails in up to 50% of cases. Healing predictors are needed to identify potential failures and thus determine treatment options.A predictive model for healing potential after 6 and 12 months of nonoperative treatment of stable JOCD lesions based on sensitive magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) follow-up measurements was developed.Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze 62 white patients (76 stable JOCD lesions) who were initially treated by restriction of activity until they were free of pain. The primary end point was healing investigated on MRI with follow-up measurements after 6 and 12 months of nonoperative treatment. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influence of age, sex, JOCD lesion size, clinical symptoms, and the occurrence of cystlike lesions (CLLs) on healing potential. Additionally, optimal prognostic cutoffs were defined to differentiate failures from nonfailures.After 6 months of nonoperative treatment, 51 (67%) of 76 stable JOCD lesions showed no progression toward healing or showed signs of instability. Normalized lesion width and area and CLL occurrence differed significantly between failures and nonfailures (P.05). A multivariate logistic regression best-predictors model that included age, CLL size, and normalized lesion width best predicted healing after 6 months and resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.779 (P.001). A cutoff at 48% healing probability, as predicted by a nomogram based on age, normalized lesion width, and CLL size, differentiated failures from nonfailures (sensitivity, 60.0%; specificity, 83.7%). After 12 months, 37 lesions (49%) had progressed toward healing, and the sole observation of CLL size had the highest predictive validity (AUC, 0.766). The optimal cutoff was a healing probability of 61% (lesion size, 1.3 mm; sensitivity, 70.3%; specificity, 74.1%).A 6-month period of nonoperative treatment with or without casting might be appropriate if the healing potential is48%. A 12-month period of nonoperative treatment may be successful if the CLL is1.3 mm in length as assessed on MRI.