Knee chondral changes Flashcards
What are knee chondral changes?
Degeneration or damage to the knee’s hyaline cartilage, often involving joint surfaces. Can include general wear and tear, Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD), or Osteochondral Defects.
What causes knee chondral changes?
Excessive Pressure & Shearing Forces: Prolonged stress or repetitive loading.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): Localised lack of blood supply (avascular necrosis) leading to cartilage and underlying bone breakdown.
Gradual onset, often with no clear injury event.
What is Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)?
A condition where a lack of blood supply to a specific area of cartilage and bone leads to degeneration. Most commonly seen in children and teenagers.
Why are children and teenagers more prone to OCD?
Their growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are still developing, making the cartilage-bone interface weaker and more vulnerable to damage.
How does physical activity increase OCD risk in children and teenagers?
High-impact activities and sports can cause repetitive loading and shearing forces, which the developing cartilage and bone are less equipped to handle.
Do children and teenagers have better healing potential for OCD?
Yes, they have better healing potential due to active growth, but ongoing mechanical stress or delayed diagnosis can worsen the condition.
What imaging techniques are used to diagnose knee chondral changes?
MRI: For detailed cartilage integrity and detection of OCD lesions.
