Osteochondritis Dissecans – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition that develops when blood flow to the bone beneath joint cartilage is reduced. This lack of blood supply causes the bone tissue to die. This can lead to pain and restricted movement.
This condition primarily affects children and teenagers. Symptoms may appear after a joint injury or following months of high-impact activities like running and jumping.
While the knee is most commonly affected, the condition can also develop in elbows, ankles, and other joints.
Medical professionals classify osteochondritis dissecans based on:
- Size of the affected area
- Whether the fragment is partially or fully detached
- If the fragment remains in its original position
Symptoms vary by severity:
- Fragments that stay in place may cause minimal or no symptoms
- Loose fragments can cause significant pain and joint problems
For children with developing bones, the condition might heal naturally without intervention. However, surgical treatment may be necessary when:
- The fragment detaches completely.
- The fragment interferes with joint movement.
- Pain persists despite conservative treatment.
Signs and Problems
Osteochondritis dissecans can cause several signs that vary based on which joint is affected. These signs may include:
- Pain during physical activities like walking upstairs, hiking, or playing sports.
- Swelling and tenderness around the affected joint.
- Joint popping or locking when a loose fragment gets caught between bones during movement.
- Feeling of weakness in the joint, as if it might “give way”.
- Limited movement, making it difficult to fully straighten the affected limb.
When Medical Help Is Needed
It’s important to contact a healthcare provider if you experience ongoing pain or soreness in your knee, elbow, or other joints.
You should also seek medical attention if you notice your joint swelling or if you can’t move the joint through its complete range of motion.
Early diagnosis helps prevent further joint damage and improves treatment outcomes.
Causes
The exact cause of osteochondritis dissecans remains unclear. Researchers believe decreased blood supply to the affected bone end may play a role. This reduction in blood flow often results from repeated small injuries or trauma that accumulate over time.
Some people might have a genetic predisposition to developing this condition, as it sometimes runs in families.
Risk Factors
Osteochondritis dissecans appears most often in children and teens between 10 and 20 years old. Those who play sports regularly face a higher chance of developing this condition.
Complications
Osteochondritis dissecans may lead to joint osteoarthritis over time. When the condition damages joint cartilage, the protective cushioning between bones wears away. This creates a higher risk for developing arthritis in the affected joint as you age.
Preventing Sports-Related Joint Problems
Teens who take part in organized sports can protect their joints by learning about overuse risks. Using correct form and methods for their sport is key.
Young athletes should also:
- Wear proper safety gear for their sport
- Do strength training to build muscle support
- Practice stability exercises to improve balance
These steps help young athletes stay active while reducing their chance of getting hurt. Strength work particularly helps support the joints during physical activity.
