Internal fixation for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Eight knees of seven patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee underwent internal fixation of the fragments. The affected location was the medial femoral condyle in four knees, the lateral femoral condyle in one knee and the patellar groove in three knees. At the time of surgery, patient age ranged from 13 to 20 years (mean 16.9 years). Open reduction and internal fixation of the unstable fragments was performed with autologous bone pegs in one knee. In the other seven knees, the procedures were carried out with biodegradable poly-L-lactide pins. At a mean follow-up of 5 years (range 4-6.8 years), seven fragments were united, whereas one knee required arthroscopic removal of the loose fragment. Neither effusion nor synovitis was noticed in any of the patients treated with biodegradable pins. The technique is simple and provides satisfactory results, suggesting a valid option for the treatment of osteochondral defects where possible.