2021 Annual Meeting Pediatrics Access Pass-Trans-articular versus Retro-articular Drilling of Stable Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial by the ROCK Multicenter Study Group

Trans-articular versus Retro-articular Drilling of Stable Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial by the ROCK Multicenter Study Group

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Video Summary

This study compared transarticular and retroarticular drilling techniques for treating stable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in skeletally immature patients. Conducted at 13 high-volume centers with 17 surgeons, the randomized trial found both methods safe and effective with significant patient improvements and low revision rates. Transarticular drilling showed faster radiographic healing at 6 and 12 months, shorter surgery times, and earlier return to sports. Both techniques resulted in excellent outcomes by 24 months. The authors suggest transarticular drilling may be simpler and preferable for surgeons with less experience, though long-term follow-up is needed to assess arthritis risk.

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Dr. Benton Heyworth

Keywords

osteochondritis dissecans

transarticular drilling

retroarticular drilling

skeletally immature patients

randomized trial