Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans is a diagnosis based on plain radiographic appearance. Although it is on occasion difficult to decide whether the observed radiographic abnormality represents osteochondritis dissecans or physiologic irregular ossification, 50% of children should evidence healing with nonoperative activity modification management. In those who fail this regimen, the majority require simple drilling of the lesion through intact articular cartilage.