Arthroscopic Fixation of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee Using a Motorized Pick and Headless Compression Screws

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee affects children and adolescents. The condition is characterized by sterile osteonecrosis of the subchondral bone. The cause is unknown. OCD is divided into juvenile or adult type, depending on whether the physis is open or closed at the time of diagnosis. Stable juvenile OCD lesions have substantial healing potential and are treated conservatively, with a healing potential of up to 75%. However, in unstable lesions and in all symptomatic adult OCD lesions, surgical treatment is indicated. The purpose of this article was to present our method of arthroscopic fixation of an unstable OCD in the knee, using a motorized pick to stimulate the bed of the lesion, and firm fixation with headless screws. The advantage of this method is the controlled and meticulous debridement and stimulation of the sclerotic necrosis behind the OCD fragment and the firm compression achieved with the screws, enabling an intensive and early rehabilitation.