Fact-sheet: Ostéochondritis dissecans of the knee


Updated on 01/28/2022 at 3:48 PM

Note : 10/10 ( 3 notes )
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Definition

Edema, fragmentation, and possible separation of an osteochondral fragment.
Synonyms: osteochondral fracture, osteochondral lesion

Radiography

Unable to detect early osteochondral lesions.
Difficulty differentiating stages I, II, and III.
At stage IV: empty crater

MRI

Most sensitive and specific examination.
Signal abnormality of the subchondral bone.
Cartilage defect.
Evaluation for signs of instability of the osteochondral fragment, or an intra-articular loose body

Classification

- Stage 1: Subchondral edema and cartilage lesion (MRI)
- Stage 2a: Subchondral cyst
- Stage 2b: Incomplete separation of the osteochondral fragment
- Stage 3: Complete separation of the fragment, nondisplaced
- Stage 4: Displaced fragment (empty crater and intra-articular loose body)

Differential diagnosis

Avascular osteonecrosis
Fracture
Osteoarthritis