Osteochondritis dissecans

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Joint condition where a portion of cartilage and the subchondral bone becomes damaged and detach. This occurs due to lack of blood supply leading to necrosis and instability of joint surface

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Joint pain - activity - commonly knee, elbow, ankle
Swelling
Stiffness - reduced ROM
Locking or catching - loose bone and cartilage
Instability
Tenderness

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Rare, - 15 - 30 every 100,000
More common in males
Common affects the knee, elbow, ankle

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Adolescent s and young adults - 10 - 20 - periods of rapid growths
Adults - less common - tends to have a worse prognosis

Question 5

Risk factors

Answer 5

Repetitive trauma or micro trauma - high impact sports
Genetic predisposition
Growth spurts
High impact activities
Previous joint injuries

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Activity related pain
Swelling and tenderness
Joint locking or catching (loose fragment)
Stiffness
Decreased performance - athletes

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Good with early detection - rest,
Surgery
Risk of osteoarthritis