We suspect that patients with OCD have risk of developing severe osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis) at a young age. The treatment options for these young patients with osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis) are limited and therefore, their quality of life is significantly impacted. Based on this premise, the work group issued a consensus recommendation despite the lack of evidence to support or refute the use of ongoing evaluation in patients with a diagnosis of OCD.
In patients with OCD that remain symptomatic despite previous treatment, ongoing evaluation with a goal to preserve the patient’s knee function and native cartilage is a priority. The evaluation is based upon the patient’s symptoms, signs, and imaging to detect possible deterioration. Recognition and intervention allowing treatment of lesions at early stages may improve outcomes and prevent sequelae (e.g. severe osteoarthritis (osteoarthrosis)) associated with later stages of disease. Although lesion stability may not be assessed with a high level of confidence on imaging studies, the progression or worsening of the condition can be evaluated by comparing sequential imaging studies.
The work group acknowledges that radiographic studies expose the patient to radiation. We are also aware of the increased costs of imaging studies. We believe that the practice of ongoing history, physical, and imaging studies is consistent with the current practice of most orthopaedic surgeons.
Supporting Evidence
There is no evidence to address this recommendation.
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