This is a non-randomized, observational, ambidirectional cohort study. Approximately 254 participants with knee OCD will be recruited from Peking University Third Hospital, China, comprising a prospective cohort (n=177) and a retrospective cohort (n=77). The study aims to observe and compare the long-term outcomes among patients receiving different standard-of-care treatments. Treatment decisions (conservative management or specific surgical interventions) are made by clinicians and patients according to prevailing clinical guidelines and individual conditions, independent of this study.
Based on the treatment they receive in clinical practice, participants will be categorized into two main exposure groups: the conservative treatment group and the surgical treatment group. The surgical group will be further stratified into six subgroups according to the specific surgical technique employed. All participants will enter a follow-up phase lasting up to 24 months.
Assessments will include the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score (primary outcome), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form, pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), Lysholm knee score, as well as the incidence of complications and Adverse Events (AEs)/Serious Adverse Events (SAEs). For patients undergoing surgery, these measurements will be conducted at the following time points: preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively at 7 days, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months. For patients under conservative management, follow-up assessments will be conducted at corresponding clinical time points.