Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Overview

5 out of 5 (6 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

25 Jan 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is a relatively rare condition, categorized as a form of osteonecrosis that affects the subchondral bone. The condition tends to manifest as knee dysfunction and pain, predominantly affecting school-aged children and adolescents. More specifically, in osteochondritis dissecans, a piece of the subchondral bone and articular cartilage detaches from the underlying bone. The ensuing fragment may be either stable, indicating intact overlying articular cartilage, or unstable, which has significant prognostic implications. Osteochondritis dissecans is more prevalent in individuals aged 10 to 20, with a higher incidence in males than females. Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans occurs in patients with open growth plates or physes, whereas osteochondritis dissecans in adults applies to skeletally mature patients.

The exact cause of osteochondritis dissecans remains unclear, and individuals with this condition may either present with knee pain as a primary complaint or incidentally discover the findings during radiographs conducted for unrelated injuries. Clinicians typically rely on plain radiographs to diagnose and identify the condition, with magnetic resonance imaging as the primary staging tool. Over 50% of children with osteochondritis dissecans typically recover through conservative measures within 6 to 18 months, whereas adults often necessitate surgical intervention. If the condition is left untreated, affected patients may experience degenerative changes, chronic pain, and mechanical symptoms such as locking and clicking. This topic reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of knee osteochondritis dissecans, providing healthcare professionals with crucial insights to enhance overall patient care for individuals grappling with this uncommon yet potentially debilitating cause of knee pain.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the characteristic clinical manifestations of osteochondritis dessecans of the knee.

  • Implement evidence-based diagnostic and staging protocols, utilizing plain radiographs and MRI for osteochondritis dessecans of the knee.

  • Apply knowledge of surgical interventions for osteochondritis dissecans, tailoring approaches based on patient age and lesion characteristics.

  • Collaborate with specialists to optimize patient outcomes through shared decision-making and strategic treatment plans.

  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Jordan R. on 2/28/2021

Ryan L. on 10/30/2022

Peter M. on 11/23/2022

Trang N. on 5/9/2023

Denise W. on 10/20/2023

Cheyenne T. on 12/7/2023

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