Bilateral osteochondral defects of the patellae in an 11-year-old girl. Issue 4 (23rd April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez Ruiz, Miguel; Igah, Ibidumo; Iranpour, Farhad; Patel, Akash
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 4(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04-23
• Subjects: orthopaedic and trauma surgery -- patellofemoral pain -- sports and exercise medicine; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-240790
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Osteochondral defect or osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee usually affects young, active populations. It is a challenging diagnosis as patients typically present with poorly localised activity-related pain, which is non-specific and covers many differentials. We present an active 11-year-old girl with bilateral osteochondral defects of the patellae: a rare clinical disorder which was affecting her sporting activities. She had a 12-month history of bilateral anterior knee pain before the diagnosis was achieved with appropriate imaging. Her pain significantly improved with activity modification and physiotherapy. Follow-up will require outpatient clinic assessment and imaging to determine if non-operative management continues to be successful or surgery may be required. This case report emphasises the importance of appropriate high index of suspicion when managing patients with non-specific knee pain. It also demonstrates the importance of judicious use of imaging to avoid a missed or delayed diagnosis.