The condition
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition, most common in growing children and teens, in which a small area of bone beneath the knee's cartilage loses blood flow and weakens. If it does not heal, the cartilage and bone over it can crack or come loose. It causes activity-related pain and swelling.
The surgery
When the cartilage surface is intact and stable, small holes are drilled into the weakened bone (typically outpatient, through small incisions with a camera and x-ray guidance). These channels bring in new blood flow to help the bone heal. If the fragment is loose, it may be fixed in place instead. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Thigh bone: touch-down weight with crutches for ~4 weeks, then full over 2 weeks. Kneecap or groove: full weight in a brace locked straight for 6 weeks.
- Motion
- No motion limits. Stationary bike from 4 weeks.
- School & daily life
- School or desk work often within 1 week. No PE, running, jumping, or sports until cleared. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Only after x-rays show healing, typically at ~3 months (sometimes up to 6).
- Sports
- Typically 4–6 months, after strength and hop testing.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most stable lesions heal, relieving pain and allowing a return to sports. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the lesion not healing (which may need a fixation or cartilage procedure later), injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery