Internal fixation for osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knee in patients with physeal closure

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present mid-term functional and radiological outcomes of patients with physeal closure who underwent arthroscopic or open internal fixation with headless cannulated compressive screws due to unstable Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) lesions of the knee. METHODS: With a diagnosis of unstable OCD of the knee, ten consecutive patients (seven male, three female) with physeal closure (mean age: 23 years; range: 17–40), underwent arthroscopic or open internal fixation with headless cannulated compressive screws. The patients were retrospectively reviewed based on functional and radiological data, with a mean follow-up of 42 months (range: 27–61). The average size of the defects was 4.2 cm(2) with a range from 1.7 to 8 cm(2). The study protocol consisted of the Range of Motion (ROM), Tegner–Lysholm Score, Modified Cincinnati Rating System Questionnaire, Short Form-12 (SF-12) in addition to the plain radiograph and Computed Tomography (CT). Any development of arthrosis was assessed at the final follow-up according to the Internation Knee Documention Committee score (IKDC). RESULTS: At the final follow-up, control plain radiographs and CT showed complete union of the fragments in nine patients; however, CT imaging illustrated nonunion of the fragment in one patient. The main Tegner–Lysholm Score increased from 59 (range: 11–63) preoperatively to 97 (range: 88–100) at the final follow-up. Modified Cincinnati Rating System Questionnaire and IKDC score were 97 (range: 93–100) and 96 (range: 92–100), respectively, at the final follow-up. In addition, in terms of SF-12, the mean physical component score was 47.5 (range: 42–49), and the mean mental component score was 57.25 (range: 48–63). CONCLUSION: In patients with physeal closure, internal fixation using cannulated compressive screws may be an influential procedure for the OCD lesions of the knee ranging in size from medium to large. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study