Osteochondritis dissecans: a historical review and its treatment with cannulated screws.

The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans and the results of treating the early stages with arthroscopic fixation using cannulated screws is discussed. Arthroscopic surgery was performed on 14 patients with osteochondritis dissecans, and the osteochondral fragment was fixed with one or two screws. A second arthroscopic procedure was necessary to assess the lesion and remove the screws. Ambulation without weight bearing is allowed during the first 2 months postoperatively. Full range of motion is encouraged. The results indicate that all patients returned to their previous sport 3-11 months postsurgery. The authors conclude that fixation with cannulated screws is the ideal method of treating osteochondritis dissecans when the osteochondral fragment is still in its bed.