Evaluate the relationship between MFC width and osteochondritis dissecans and assess whether increased MFC width is a cause or effect of OCD.
MRIs of 112 patients with osteochondritis dissecans of the MFC and age and gender matched control MRIs were reviewed. MFC width and tibial plateau width were recorded. T-test statistic was used to compare OCD patients with controls. Data was also assessed to determine effects of age and gender.
The mean MFC width in OCD patients was 29.2 mm, which was statistically greater than controls ( p<0.001 ). Age did not have any statistical effect on MFC width in OCD patients. Men had wider MFCs as compared to women in all age groups in OCD patients and controls. Tibial plateau width did not differ between OCD patients and controls when matched by gender. Age had no effect on tibial plateau width.
The MFC is wider than normal in patients wtih osteochondritis dissecans of the MFC. Wider MFCs are seen even in young OCD patients, suggesting that it may play a role in the development of OCD. When considering an osteochondral allograft transplant, surgeons must keep in mind that 29 mm wide MFCs are very uncommon and if size matching is desired, other graft options like LFCs should be considered.