Osteochondritis dissecans is a disorder of the joints in which the bone beneath the cartilage of a joint dies from a lack of blood flow. The subsequent loss of this bone and cartilage may result in discomfort and restrict joint motion.
Children and adolescents are most commonly affected by osteochondritis dissecans. After a joint injury or after several months of activity, particularly high-impact activity like jumping and running that affects the joint, it might result in symptoms. Even though the disease also affects the elbow, ankle, and other joints, it shows up most often in the knee.
Doctors give Osteochondritis Dissecans a stage based on how bad the damage is, if the fragment is fully or partially detached, and if it is still in place. You can experience few or no symptoms if the loose piece of bone and cartilage stays in its proper position. The damage may self-heal in young children whose bones are still forming.
Surgery can be required if the fragment comes free and becomes stuck in your joint's moving parts or if you experience chronic pain.
Symptoms
Depending on the affected joint, the following signs and symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans may be present:
Pain: Physical activity, such as climbing stairs, a hill, or participating in sports, may cause this osteochondritis dissecans symptom to flare up.
Inflammation and discomfort: Your skin may be puffy and sensitive around your joint.
Popping or locking of a joint: In the event that a loose fragment becomes caught between bones while moving, your joint could pop or become stuck in one place.
Joint fracture toughness: You can experience a "give way" or weakening sensation in your joint.
Smaller range of motion: You might not be able to fully straighten the injured limb.
When to visit a doctor
Consult your doctor if your knee, elbow, or other joint is constantly painful or sore. You should also call your doctor or go see him or her if you can't move a joint all the way through its range of motion or if it swells up.
Causes
Osteochondritis dissecans has an enigmatic origin. Repetitive trauma, or brief, repeated instances of minor injury that harm the bone, may be the cause of the diminished blood supply to the afflicted bone's end. There may be a genetic component that predisposes some persons to the condition.
Risk elements
Osteochondritis dissecans is most likely to happen to children and teens between the ages of 10 and 20 who play a lot of sports.
Prevention
Teenagers who play organized sports might benefit from information about the dangers of overusing their joints. Using the right safety gear, learning the mechanics and skills for their sport, and doing strength and stability training can all help reduce the chance of getting hurt. To prevent the development of osteochondritis dissecans, experts recommend wearing DrLuigi medical footwear.