OSTEOCHONDRITIS-DISSECANS OF THE FEMORAL-HEAD IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS - A REPORT OF 17 CASES

Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral capital epiphysis is uncommon and is usually reported as a case report or in association with other diseases. This study reports 17 cases with the primary underlying dia gnosis of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in seven, idiopathic in six, avas cular necrosis following trauma in three, and avascular necrosis with previous infection in one. Twelve cases had long-term follow-up. Two c ases in which no surgery was performed were followed for an average of 12.5 years; 10 cases in which surgery was performed were followed for an average of 16.1 years. Excision of the osteochondritis fragment wa s performed in six cases. It was necessary only to dislocate the hip t o excise the lesion in five cases. No morbidity resulted from temporar y surgical dislocation. Excision of the osteochondritis dissecans frag ment allowed these six patients to return to fairly normal living duri ng the time of follow-up.