Imaging of osteochondritis dissecans.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can affect both adults and children, however the imaging characteristics and significance of imaging findings can differ in the juvenile subset with open physes. Radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the primary modalities used to aid in diagnosis, to define a treatment plan, to monitor progress, to assess surgical intervention, and to identify postoperative complications. Newer imaging techniques under continuous development may improve the accuracy of MRI for diagnosis and staging of OCD, and eventually may help to predict the durability of tissue-engineered constructs and cartilage repair.