[Etiopathogenetic aspects of osteochondrosis dissecans of the femoral condyles].

In an analysis of results from a biostatic examination on the pressure distribution at the weight-bearing femoral condyles under different conditions compared with results from a follow-up examination of patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, we discuss the most likely etiology of this disease, namely mechanical induction. From this comparison it is deduced that the biomechanical impact is the most important factor for the initiation of osteochondritis dissecans at the femoral condyles.