The Link between Aggrecan and Familial Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a chronic disease of the articular cartilage characterized by focal lesions subchondral bone and overlaying cartilage. Through growing number reports describing high prevalence OCD in some families, subcategory termed familial (FOCD) was established. With development genetic approaches such as genome-wide association studies sequencing, aggrecan (ACAN) has been identified one genes interest associated with FOCD. Aggrecan crucial protein for preservation function However, due to FOCD being relatively recently, there paucity literature on subject. The purpose this review explore relationship between ACAN mutations well current treatment options avenues future research. In vitro animal have shown importance only human mutation related ever V2303M G3 domain. Multiple treatments superficially explored, growth hormone (GH) gonadotrophin-releasing agonists (GnRHa) show potential. Thus, further research needed identify other determine optimal modalities patient population.