The Effects of Multiple Drilling Method on Improving the Functional Level and Reduction of Complaints in Patients with Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of multiple drilling technique on therapeutic outcomes of patients with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee. Methods: This controlled clinical trial was conducted on 24 patients aged 13 - 45 years with OCD types II and III according to the Dipaola classification and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments. The patients were classified into two groups (n = 12), including multiple drilling and control. Assessments including radiographic examinations, Tegner-Lysholm knee score, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were performed before, three, and six months after treatment (surgery or conservative) for all patients, and the results were compared between the two groups. Results: After three months, Lysholm score was “good” and “fair” in the intervention and control groups, respectively. After six months, this index was “excellent” in the intervention group and “poor” in the control group. The KOOS score was significantly higher, and pain intensity was significantly lower in the intervention group three and six months after follow-up (P < 0.05). The union was obtained in all patients of the intervention group in the last follow-up, and no surgical failure was reported in the patients. Conclusions: Significant improvements in the functional level and pain reduction were observed in patients treated with multiple drilling technique. Our results also showed high rates of union healing with low complication rates using multiple drilling technique.