[Osteochondritis dissecans of the patella (author's transl)]

Five cases of osteochondritis dissecans patellae were seen and followed during years 1971--1978. Special interest was pointed to the site of the lesion, at which age the disease appeared, and to the physical activity of the patients. In one case only patellar subluxation could be confirmed. In two cases radioisotope (Tc99) szintigraphy was done with positive finding. The radiological finding was typical in all cases. The treatment was conservative in all cases but one. Loose body formed once in the series. Operative treatment should be directed only to the cases with persistent symptoms and/or loose bodies.