Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) Treatment Options
The course of treatment for OCD depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the condition, and the joint affected. Below are the primary approaches:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities (e.g., running, jumping) for several months is often the first step.
- Crutches, Bracing, or Casting: These tools can help offload pressure from the affected joint and promote healing.
This approach is most effective for children and adolescents with growing bones, as their bodies are better equipped to heal naturally.
For cases that do not respond to conservative treatment or when the OCD lesion is unstable, surgical options may be necessary:
Stabilization of OCD Lesion
- Arthroscopic Drilling: Small holes are made in the affected area to encourage blood flow and stimulate bone healing.
- Fixation: Screws or pins may be used to secure unstable bone fragments, promoting stability and recovery.
Replacement or Regeneration of Damaged Cartilage
- Microfracture Surgery: This technique stimulates the growth of scar tissue to replace damaged cartilage.
- Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OATS): Healthy cartilage and bone are transferred from a non-weight-bearing area of the joint to the damaged site.
- Allograft Transplantation: Cartilage and bone from a donor are used to repair the joint.
- Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): The patient’s cartilage cells are harvested, grown in a lab, and implanted to regenerate the joint surface.
Each surgical method is tailored to the specific needs and condition of the patient.
Once successfully treated, OCD generally does not return. However, incomplete healing or misdiagnosis can give the impression of a recurrence. Regular follow-ups and imaging can help ensure a full recovery and prevent future complications.
While isolated reports suggest that OCD may run in some families, most cases are sporadic. There is no strong evidence linking OCD to a hereditary predisposition. Nevertheless, a thorough family medical history can provide valuable context for diagnosis and treatment planning.
In approximately 25% of cases, OCD affects both knees. However, there is no known connection between OCD in different types of joints, such as the knee and elbow. Early imaging of both joints can help identify bilateral cases and guide treatment.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Cinque is a sports medicine surgeon in San Diego, California who specializes in the treatment of complex knee, hip and shoulder injuries. He has spent time training at The Steadman Clinic and Stanford Orthopaedic Surgery. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and has presented research internationally. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to preserve the natural joint and reduce recovery time to accelerate his patients’ return to the activities they love.
At a Glance
Mark Cinque, MD
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
- Orthopedic Residency: Stanford University, Fellowship: The Steadman Clinic
- Authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications
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