J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2022 Feb;57(1):73-77. 10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.1.73.

Fixation Method Using Bioabsorbable Pins for Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Knee through Mini-Open Approach

• Choe D
• Yang JH

• KMID: 2525480
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2022.57.1.73

Abstract

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a pathologic condition of the subchondral bone which involves the articular cartilage. Unstable OCD can be fixed with various implants, including bioabsorbable materials. Bioabsorbable materials have several advantages. Removal of the implant is not required, and they have low interference on imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This paper reports a case of surgical treatment using bioabsorbable pins for OCD lesion. MRI showed a displaced osteochondral lesion at medial femoral condyle. Arthroscopic reduction and fixation were attempted initially, but additional mini-open incision was needed to reduce the fibrotic fragment. The fragment was trimmed and fixed with two bioabsorbable pins. Union was achieved at the follow-up without complications. The use of bioabsorbable pins for OCD treatment may be one of successful treatment method.

Keyword

knee; osteochondritis dissecans; arthroscopy; bioabsorbable implants