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.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
KNEE CONDITIONS
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KNEE TREATMENTS
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our KNEE SURGEONS
The Knee Service at Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners is led by Mr Luke Jones and Mr Chethan Jayadev, both Oxford PhD educated knee surgeons with London Teaching Hospital NHS consultant posts. They provide a comprehensive range of knee procedures as part of a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals including highly specialised physiotherapists, all committed to returning you to optimal function.
Our team 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. Below is an overview of some of the knee conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR LUKE JONES
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
MR CHETHAN JAYADEV
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
MR MARK WEBB
Consultant Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon
What some of our patients say
Mrs EL
Thank you for taking great care of me throughout the whole operation process! My recovery has been much faster than anticipated and I am pain free after such a long time!