Treatment of a Rare Osteochondral Lesion in the Lateral Femoral Condyle After Patellar Dislocation in an Adolescent: A Case Study
Diogo Barros1*, José Miguel Araújo2, Bárbara Ferreira1, Ana Rita Lavado1, Ana Margarida Gomes1, Afonso Ruano1
1ULS Nordeste, Portugal. 2ULS Braga, Portugal.
*Corresponding Author: Diogo Barros, ULS Nordeste, Portugal.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAOR.2026.06.019
Received: July 08, 2026
Published: July 30, 2026
Citation: Barros D, Araújo JM, Ferreira B, Lavado AR, Gomes AM, Ruano A. Treatment of a Rare Osteochondral Lesion in the Lateral Femoral Condyle After Patellar Dislocation in an Adolescent: A Case Study. SVOA Orthopaedics 2026, 6:4, 130-134. doi: 10.58624/SVOAOR.2026.06.019
Abstract
Introduction: Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the knee are becoming more prevalent among active adolescents, typically due to acute trauma, repetitive microtrauma, or conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans. Patellar dislocation is a common trigger for OCLs. Research shows that a considerable number of patients experiencing patellar dislocation develop OCLs, especially in the anterior lateral femoral condyle and the medial area of the patella.
Case Presentation: This case study details the clinical presentation and management of a 15-year-old female athlete with an OCL. After sustaining a direct trauma to the knee during a football match, she developed considerable pain and swelling. Imaging revealed an OCL in the lateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. Surgical intervention involved stabilizing the osteochondral fragment and repairing the surrounding cartilage. Postoperatively, she followed a non-weight-bearing protocol, followed by gradual rehabilitation. Follow-up MRIs demonstrated complete healing of the cartilage defect, and the patient successfully returned to football practice six months after surgery.
Conclusion: This case demonstrates that early recognition and treatment of these injuries can not only result in knee-preserving surgery but also allow patients to return to their previous level of activity. In the skeletally immature patient population, chondral fixation seems to be a good option.
Keywords: Pediatric trauma, Patellar dislocation, Lateral femoral condyle, Osteochondral lesion, Chondral fixation, Return to sport