Nonoperative treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee

Osteochondritis dissecans is a potentially devastating cause of knee pain in adolescents and adults. Prognosis and treatment depends on the stability of the lesion and the age of the patient. Skeletally immature patients with stable lesions are amenable for nonoperative treatment. Nonoperative treatment is less predictable in skeletally mature patients and patients with unstable lesions. Lesion size, location, stability along with symptomatology should all be considered before initiating treatment. Modalities of nonoperative treatment can range from activity modification to complete immobilization. Close follow-up is recommended to monitor healing progression and symptom resolution.