title: [Long-term follow-up of osteochondritis dissecans].
abstract: Fifty-two patients with osteochondritis dissecans lesions were evaluated after 7-25 years after excision of a partially detached (grade III) fragment or loose (grade IV) fragment from the medial femoral condyles. Average follow-up time was 17.2 (range 7-25 years). Two homogenic groups based on special inclusion criteria were formed; 31 patient was in the first and 21--in the second group. The only difference between the groups was the age; the age average in the first group was--25.6 years (range 15-35 years), and -45.2 years (range 35-55 years) in the second group. Patients were evaluated through ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society), modified HSS and KOOS (Knee injury and osteoarthritis Outcome score) scales, and with X-rays. Evaluation with the ICRS, modified HSS and KOOS rating scales for osteochondritis dissecans revealed in 9 cases (17%) good results, 32 cases (62%)--fair, and 11 cases (21%)--failure results. Final ICRS and modified HSS evaluation showed statistically significantly better results in the younger patient group at the 21 years (p < 0.04). At an average 17.2 year follow-up X-rays and KOOS evaluation form showed initial and second-degree (according to Ahlbäck) osteoarthritis signs in the knees. The long-term results of the natural history of osteochondritis dissecans are extremely poor. Consequently, we recommend autologous osteochondral grafting for the replacement of the osteochondritis dissecans defects in the knee joint.
authors.affiliation: Kauno medicinos universiteto Ortopedijos ir traumatologijos klinika, Eiveniu 2, 3007 Kaunas. rimtautasg@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Rimtautas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gudas
authors.forename: Giedrius
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kunigiskis
authors.forename: Romas Jonas
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kalesinskas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010008:Osteochondritis Dissecans / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors