Osteochondritis Dissecans

What is osteochondritis dissecans?

These are localised areas of damage to the cartilage surface and underlying bone. Over two-thirds of lesions affect the lower inner part of the thigh bone at the knee (medial femoral condyle). They can present in childhood or adulthood. In some individuals, there is a hereditary predisposition to osteochondritis dissidents. Other possible causes include trauma and problems with the local blood supply. 

The process starts as softening of a region of cartilage, which can go on to detach with a variable amount of underlying bone. This fragment can then separate to cause a loose body in the knee

What are the symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans?

Osteochondritis dissecans presents with pain and swelling. A floating fragment of cartilage can cause a sudden painful limitation in knee movement, known as “mechanical locking”.

How is Osteochondritis Dissecans diagnosed?

Usually, the symptoms and a careful examination will suggest the diagnosis. An x-ray can be useful, but an MRI scan is the investigation of choice.

How is it treated?

This depends mainly on 2 things: your age and whether the region of cartilage is still attached (stable) or not. Stable lesions in growing children respond really well to restricted weight-bearing and bracing. Unfortunately, adults don’t respond as well to non-operative measures and may require surgery. If the lesion remains attached, one can encourage the affected region of cartilage to heal by drilling into the underlying bone (subchondral drilling). If the lesion is close to detaching or is already separated but in good condition, it can be fixed with special screw devices. If this fails or the detached fragment is in poor condition, the condition is treated as an established osteochondral defect.

Our Specialists

LEADING KNEE CARE

Our team have broad experience in the successful treatment of a range of knee problems, addressing both young and sports related injuries as well as those relating to trauma, disease process and genetics.

We are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of knee problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative.

MR LUKE JONES

MR LUKE JONES

CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC KNEE SURGEON

MR MARK WEBB

MR MARK WEBB

CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC HIP + KNEE SURGEON

MR CHETHAN JAYADEV

MR CHETHAN JAYADEV

CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC KNEE SURGEON

MR SIMON HISLOP

MR SIMON HISLOP

CONSULTANT ORTHOPAEDIC HIP + KNEE SURGEON