Dorsal Defect of the Patella: A Benign Variant Not to Be Confused with OCD

Dorsal defect of the patella is a benign, typically asymptomatic developmental variant located at the superolateral margin. Coronal views are key. Confident distinction from osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) avoids unnecessary concern or intervention.

• Almost always found at the superolateral patellar margin on coronal imaging.
• Must be differentiated from an OCD lesion; it is a normal variant with no clinical significance.
• Target audience: radiologists and trainees interpreting knee MRI.

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