KNEE OCD

ROCK Authored Articles

This section features original articles written by members of the ROCK network. Each piece reflects the expertise and experience of leading orthopedic specialists who are dedicated to advancing knowledge of osteochondritis dissecans and related conditions.

Our goal is to provide clear education and insight for patients, families, and professionals. Here you will find updates on research, treatment approaches, rehabilitation strategies, and real-world perspectives from surgeons and clinicians working directly with OCD.

Explore the collection below to learn from trusted experts and stay informed about the latest developments in care.

Antegrade curettement, bone grafting and pinning of osteochondritis dissecans in the skeletally mature knee

Can large knee lesions heal once growth plates have closed? A landmark study from the 1980s showed that bone grafting and pinning can successfully heal most osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in skeletally mature patients, though early arthritis is still a common outcome. Read the full article to see how this classic surgical approach shaped modern OCD treatment.

Allen F. Anderson, MD

Transarticular Versus Retroarticular Drilling of Stable Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Which drilling method helps kids heal faster from knee OCD? A major multi-center trial compared two surgical techniques and found that both worked well, but transarticular drilling led to quicker healing and an earlier return to sports. Read the full article to see how these findings may guide treatment choices for young athletes with OCD.

Benton E. Heyworth, MD

Which Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions Will Heal Nonoperatively? An Application of Machine Learning to the ROCK Prospective Cohort

Can a computer predict whether a child’s knee will heal without surgery? A new study using machine learning found that lesion size and location strongly influence healing in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). The models predicted outcomes with over 80 percent accuracy, giving doctors a powerful new tool for treatment decisions. Read the full article to see how artificial intelligence is helping predict healing in young knees.

Thomas Johnstone

A Simple Clinical Predictive Model for Arthroscopic Mobility of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Knee

Can doctors predict if a knee lesion is unstable before surgery? A new study shows that age, swelling, and loss of motion are powerful predictors of instability in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee. This simple model could help surgeons plan better and give families clearer expectations without relying on expensive imaging. Read the full article to learn how this predictive tool is changing surgical planning for young patients with OCD.

Matthew Milewski, MD

Social Determinants of Health Impacts Access to Care for Patients with Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee Among Young Patients – A Prospective Multi-Center Investigation

Does your neighborhood affect how quickly your child gets care for knee problems? A new multi-center study shows that kids with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee from lower-opportunity areas often see fewer specialists before surgery, while those from higher-opportunity neighborhoods get more access to care. Read the full article to learn how social factors may shape treatment paths for young patients with OCD.

Team Rock

Descriptive Epidemiology From the Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) Prospective Cohort

Why do so many young athletes end up with knee pain that lingers for months? The ROCK group studied over 900 kids and teens with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee and found patterns that could reshape how this condition is diagnosed and treated. From basketball to soccer, from surgery to simple rest, this research shines a light on what’s really happening in young knees. Read the full article to see what the largest OCD study to date has revealed.

Team Rock

Advances in Treating Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the Knee

What happens when a small piece of bone in the knee starts to loosen? That’s the challenge of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Once thought difficult to treat, new surgical techniques—from bone marrow injections to advanced fixation methods—are giving patients better chances at healing and avoiding arthritis. Read the full article to see how surgeons are tackling OCD with the latest innovations.

Philip Wilson, MD

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