ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF OSTEOCHONDRITIS DISSECANS IN THE KNEE JOINT

Abstract

Introduction: Arthroscopic knee surgery and arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans has been well developed recently. The purpose of this report is to present of results of osteochondritis dissecans in arthroscopic treatment. Material and
Method: Eight-hundred and fifty patients who were treated with arthroscopic knee surgery between 1993-1998 at our clinic. Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle were diagnosed and treated in 24 patients. Twenty patients were treated with loose body extraction and crater lesions were abrasion and microfracture or drilling. The remaining four were treated with fixation of fragments in their craters by mini AO screw.
Results: Patients were followed for average 19 months. All patients had better knee function and relief symptoms after arthroscopic treatment. At follow-up periods, degenerative joint diseases were found over time, in-patients who had big crater lesion and located on weight bearing area of condyles. According to Hugston et al evaluation criteria; 19 (79%) patients were evaluated good or excellent and 5 (21%) patients were evaluated fair or poor results. Radiographic degenerative changes onset were seen especially after three years following the operation.
Discussion: Arthroscopic treatment of osteochondritis dissecans was found less invasive and an effective treatment method in removing loose fragments, microfracture or drilling and refixation fragments to the crater lesions.