Treatment of osteochondritis dissecans and cartilaginous fractures of the knee by osteo-cartilaginous autografts.

Osteochondritis dissecans and cartilaginous fractures of the knee joint are lesions in which, on removal of the necrotic areas of cartilage, extensive loss of substance may result, such as to limit joint function and be a predisposing cause of arthrosis. In such cases it is suggested that, in addition to curettage of the necrotic focus, an autograft of cartilage and spongy bone should be used, obtained from another part of the condyle of the same knee which is not weight bearing. The surgical technique used in fifteen such cases is described, and in particular the surgical instruments which when suitably prepared make this an easy and safe operation. The follow up was two years.