Osteochondrosis dissecans of the knee. Results of operative treatment in juveniles.

This paper reports the results of 33 juvenile and 28 adult patients who were operated on for osteochondrosis dissecans of the knee. The average period of observation was 4.7 years. The results were compared according to age and stage of disease. The age of the patient at the time of operation doubtlessly has the greatest influence on prognosis. Juveniles operated on in stage II or III have a particularly good prognosis. From stage IV on it does not seem reasonable to try to preserve the dissecate. In the case of juveniles, metabolic or endocrinological diseases do not appear to be of any relevance, whereas mechanical factors like overstress during sports, hereditary ligament laxity, or deviations of the axis of whatever origin all seem to have some influence.