Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Overview

5 out of 5 (6 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

25 Jan 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

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.

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.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE 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.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

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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