Osteochondritis dissecans located on the medial tibial plateau: a case report

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans are typically located mainly on the femoral condyle, with reported but less common cases of patella involvement. In this case report, we reported a rare case of osteochondritis dissecans located on the medial tibial plateau. CASE PRESENTATION: A 26-year-old Han Chinese woman presented with a lesion on her left medial tibial plateau. She was treated by arthroscopy for her knee condition. During the operation, a primary diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans on her medial tibial plateau was indicated by an osteochondral fragment. Arthroscopic removal of the fragment was then performed. Histological examination which was done by a pathologist after the operation supported the positive pathology of osteochondritis dissecans. CONCLUSIONS: The common site of osteochondritis dissecans development in the knee is on the femoral condyle, and some develop on the patella. In this case report, it was proven that osteochondritis dissecans can also take place on the tibial plateau, although it is very uncommon.