Bone peg fixation in the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the knee joint.

Seventeen patients between 15 and 26 years of age, were treated for osteochondritis dissecans of the knee by bone peg fixation. The fragment is attached with 2 or 3 matchstick-size bone graft taken from the proximal tibia. The average follow-up period was 3.2 years, union of the fragment occurred in all cases, and results were rated excellent or good in 16 of 17 patients. Preservation of the normal contour of the distal femur and stabilization of the osteochondral fragment was achieved. Stimulation of local blood supply by bone grafting may have promoted healing and a second procedure for removal of pins or screws was unnecessary.