Arthroscopically assisted retrograde fixation of patellar osteochondritis dissecans using fluoroscopic guidance: a case report and technical note.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the patella is a relatively rare condition. Treatment recommendations vary significantly from nonoperative treatment to surgical intervention. Surgical management varies from excision of the lesion to a variety of methods of stabilization. We present a case of patellar osteochondritis dissecans successfully treated with arthroscopically assisted retrograde fixation using fluoroscopic guidance. This surgical technique, which we describe in detail, avoids articular cartilage penetration and the need for an arthrotomy and allows for compression of the lesion with the hardware oriented perpendicular to the defect. It uses both fluoroscopic and arthroscopic imaging techniques for reduction and fixation.