The full report describes the evidence-based processes under which the recommendations were developed. The organization stresses that treatment decisions should be made after considering the patient’s circumstances.
The recommendations include:
1. Imaging: The organization was unable to recommend for or against x-rays on the contralateral asymptomatic knee patients with confirmed OCD of one knee. If an OCD appears on the x-ray, there is a weak recommendation for an MRI to characterize the OCD lesion. The organization does recommend that patients who remain symptomatic after treatment for OCD have a history and physical examination, x-ray and/or MRI to assess healing.
2. Non-operative treatment: The organization does not recommend for or against non-operative treatment, such as casting, bracing or splinting for symptomatic and asymptomatic skeletally immature patients with OCD. The organization is also inconclusive on arthroscopic drilling in symptomatic skeletally immature patients with stable lesions who have failed to heal with non-operative treatment for at least three months.
3. Surgery: The organization does recommend surgery be an option for symptomatic skeletally mature and immature patients with salvageable unstable or displaced OCD lesions. The organization recommends that patients who have received surgical treatment for OCD be offered post-operative physical therapy.
Read the AAOS recommendations on the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (pdf).
Read the AAOS guideline and evidence report on the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (pdf).
Read other coverage on AAOS guidelines:
– AAOS: Guideline and Recommendations on Rotator Cuff Repair
– AAOS Explains Vertebroplasty Guideline
– AAOS Supports Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements But Urges Physicians to Educate Patients First
