The condition
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition in which a small area of bone beneath the knee's cartilage loses blood flow and weakens. Over time the overlying piece of cartilage and bone can crack, become unstable, or break free, causing pain, swelling, and catching or locking.
The surgery
Through small incisions with a camera or a small open incision (typically outpatient), the base of the unstable fragment is freshened and the piece is fixed back in place with sutures, small screws, or pins (dissolvable or metal). Bone graft may be added. Metal screws are usually removed later in a smaller surgery. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Thigh bone: touch-down weight with crutches for 6 weeks, then full over 2 weeks. Kneecap or groove: full weight in a brace locked straight for 6 weeks.
- Motion
- Usually no limits; bending to 120° by 6 weeks. If metal screws are to be removed, protection may continue until then.
- Daily life
- School or desk work often within 1–2 weeks; no PE or sports until cleared. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Only after x-rays show healing, typically 3–6 months.
- Sports
- Typically 5–6 months (later if healing is slow), 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: When the fragment heals, the knee's own cartilage is preserved and most patients return to sports. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, the fragment not healing or coming loose, hardware irritation, a planned second surgery if metal screws are used, 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