Salvage techniques in osteochondritis dissecans.

The central objective in the treatment of any osteochondritis dissecans lesion is to preserve the native articular cartilage and bone. Unfortunately, there are those cases that either fail to heal despite appropriate treatment or present in such a deteriorated state that primary fixation is not possible. This situation is generally determined by the condition of the progeny fragment. Primary fixation may not be the most viable option. In the case of an unsalvageable fragment, the surgeon is faced with several options, which are discussed in this article.