Osteochondritis dissecans : Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment

What is Osteochondritis dissecans(OCD)?

Joint pain caused by osteochondritis dissecans is a problem in which bone and cartilage die underneath the cartilage of a joint, which can then cause pain and impede movement.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that most often occurs in children and adolescents after an injury to a joint or after participating in high-impact activities for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms may include pain and swelling in the joint. Decoupage also occurs in other areas of the body, such as elbows and ankles.

Osteochondritis dissecans

Doctors diagnose osteochondritis dissecans based on the size of the injury, whether the fragment is detached or partially detached, and whether the fragment stays in place. If the loosened piece of cartilage and bone remains in place, there may be few or no symptoms. For children whose bones are still growing, this condition may go unnoticed. It is possible that the injury might heal on its own, if it is still developing.

If the fragment falls out or causes pain during movement, surgery might be needed.

1. Musculoskeletal system.

1. Human skeleton

2. Joints

3. Ligaments

4. Muscular system

5. Tendons

Medical terms

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) could be a condition that develops in joints, most frequently in kids and adolescents. It happens once alittle phase of bone begins to break away its close region thanks to an absence of blood supply. As a result, the little piece of bone and also the gristle covering it begin to crack and loosen.

• The most common joints laid low with osteochondritis dissecans square measure the knee, ankle joint and elbow, though it may also occur in different joints. The condition generally affects only one joint, however, some kids will develop OCD in many joints.

• In several cases of OCD in kids, the affected bone and gristle heal on their own, particularly if a toddler remains growing. In fully grown kids and young adults, OCD will have a lot of severe effects. The OCD lesions have a bigger probability of separating from the encompassing bone and gristle, and might even detach and float around within the joint. In these cases, surgery could also be necessary.

• Osteochondritis dissecans could be a condition that happens within the joints (the place wherever the top of 1 bone meets the top of another bone) once an absence of blood to the joint causes the bone within to melt. This leads to alittle piece of the bone dying and separating from the larger bone. This bone piece, in conjunction with a gristle that covers and protects the bone, will then crack and break loose.

The loose bone and gristle would possibly stay in situ, or they will get into the joint space, which causes the joint to become unsteady. The condition leaves a lesion wherever the bone and gristle separate. The complete method will take months or perhaps years, and symptoms could take an extended time to look.

Osteochondritis dissecans typically affect the knee at the top of the leg bone (femur), ankle joint and elbow. The condition may also occur in different joints, together with the shoulder and hip.

Osteochondritis dissecans typically develop in only one joint. Once just one lesion happens in an exceedingly single joint, the condition is thought to be sporadic osteochondritis dissecans.

Symptoms Osteochondritis dissecans

If osteochondritis dissecans is affecting a joint, signs and symptoms might include:

• Pain.Osteochondritis dissecans is the most common symptom of this condition and it might be triggered by physical activity, such as walking up stairs or playing sports.

• Swelling and tenderness.Your joint might be swollen and tender because of the skin surrounding it.

• Joint popping or locking.If a loose fragment gets caught between bones while you are moving, your joint might pop or stick in one position.

• Joint weakness.If you feel like your joint is giving way or weakening, that's probably because it is.

• Decreased range of motion.You might not be able to completely straighten the affected limb.

When to see a doctor

If you are having persistent pain or soreness in one of your joints, you should see your doctor. Other signs and symptoms that might prompt a visit include joint swelling or an inability to move the joint at its full range of motion.

Causes Osteochondritis dissecans

The cause of osteochondrosis dissecans is unknown. The reduced blood flow might result from repetitive trauma - small multiple episodes of minor unrecognized injury that damage the bone. There might be a genetic component that makes some people more inclined to experience this condition. The disorder will develop.

Risk factors Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that most commonly occurs in children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 20 who are highly active in sports.

Complications Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in that joint.

Prevention Osteochondritis dissecans

Adolescents who participate in organized sports might benefit from education on the risks to their joints associated with overuse. By learning proper mechanics and techniques for their sport while using appropriate protective gear and undertaking strength training and stability training exercises, they can minimize these risks. Be careful not to injure yourself while doing this.

Diagnosis Osteochondritis dissecans

During the physical exam, your doctor will press on the affected joint to see if there is swelling or tenderness. Sometimes, you or your doctor can feel a loose fragment inside the joint. Your doctor will also check other structures around the joint, such as ligaments.

Your doctor will ask you to move your joint in different directions to see if it can move smoothly.

Imaging tests

Your doctor might order one or more of these tests: -A blood test to check for infections -A blood test to measure how much oxygen the blood carries -A chest x-ray to look for signs of pneumonia -An MRI scan to see if there is any evidence of a brain tumor

• X-rays.X-rays can show abnormalities in the bones of the joint.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).An MRI can provide detailed pictures of both hard and soft tissues, including the bone and cartilage. If X-rays appear normal but you still have symptoms your doctor might order an MRI to check for problems.

• Computerized tomography (CT) scan.By taking X-ray images from different angles, this technique produces cross-sectional images of internal structures. CT scans allow your doctor to see details about bones that are not visible with regular X-rays.

Treatment Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition in which the cartilage that protects the bone becomes damaged. Treatment aims to restore joint function and relieve pain, while also reducing the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The best treatment for each individual may vary. Children are still growing their bones, so the defect may heal on its own if it's left untreated. Decoupage will protect the leaves.

How is osteochondrosis treated?

Can osteochondritis dissecans heal on their own?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition that causes partial or complete separation of the cartilage and bone beneath the kneecap Most often OCD occurs in children between the ages of 12 and 16 years The condition rarely heals on its own meaning that most cases require surgery for treatment However there are alternative treatments available to help alleviate pain associated with OCD until surgery can be performed These non-invasive alternatives include medication and physical therapy.

How long does it take for osteochondritis dissecans to heal?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an injury to the cartilage that separates joints in children This injury most commonly occurs at the knee joint and elbow but has also been observed in other areas such as fingers hands feet and ankles The cause of OCD is unclear; however some research suggests it may be due to abnormal blood supply or trauma While there are multiple theories on treatment doctors tend to agree on one thing.

What is the surgery for osteochondritis dissecans?

Osteochondritis dissecans or OCD is a condition in which a flap of cartilage called the epiphyseal plate detaches from the end of the bone The condition typically affects young athletes who participate in sports that involve repetitive impact to the knee joint.

Osteochondritis dissecans surgery

Osteochondritis dissecans (OD) also called osteochondrosis is a condition that affects the growth plate at the end of the long bones in children and adolescents The growth plate has immature cartilage tissue that grows and develops into strong bone during childhood Osteochondritis dissecans occurs when small cracks or separations form in this developing cartilage at the tips of certain growing bones This condition most commonly affects the knees and shoulders but it can happen anywhere there is a prominent growth plate such as the wrist elbow or ankle.

Therapy

Initially, your doctor may recommend conservative measures which might include:

• Resting your joint.If you have a knee injury, avoid activities that stress the joint, such as jumping and running. For a time, you might need to use crutches. If pain causes you to limp, your doctor might also suggest wearing a splint cast or brace to immobilize the joint for a few weeks.

• Physical therapy.After surgery, physical therapy is often recommended that includes stretching exercises and strengthening exercises for the muscles that support the joint. Physical therapy is often recommended following surgery too.

Surgery

If you have a loose fragment in your joint and the affected area is still present after your bones have stopped growing or if conservative treatments don't help after four to six months, you might need surgery. The type of surgery will depend on the size and stage of the injury and how mature your bones are. Bones are important.

1. Healthy foods for the musculoskeletal system
2. Rehabilitation program and health tips for the musculoskeletal system

Preparing for your appointment

If you have pain in your leg or foot, you might first speak to your family doctor who may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

• Write down your symptoms and when they began.

• List key medical information,Please list other conditions you have and the medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking.

• Note recent accidents or injuriesIf you have back damage, that might have caused the pain.

• Take a family member or friend along,If possible, have someone accompany you to your doctor's appointment. He or she can help you remember what the doctor says.

• Write down questions you want to ask.Make the most of your doctor's appointment time.

If you have osteochondritis dissecans, some basics questions to ask your doctor include:

• What could be causing my joint pain?

• Are there other possible causes?

• Do I need diagnostic tests?

• What treatment do you recommend?

• What are the possible side effects of the medications you're recommending?

• How long will I need to take the medication?

• Can I have surgery? Why or why not?

• Are there restrictions I need to follow?

• What self-care measures should I take?

• What can I do to prevent my symptoms from returning?

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a few questions, such as:

• When did your symptoms begin?

• Are your joints hurting or do they swell up? Are they difficult to move or do they "lock" in place?

• What are your symptoms like?

• How limiting is your pain?

• What is the best way to treat a joint that has been injured? How did the injury happen?

• Do you play sports? If so, which ones?

• What have you done to try to improve your symptoms? Has anything worked so far?

General summary

1. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition in which the cartilage and underlying bone of a joint are damaged It typically occurs at the growth plate of long bones near the knee and ankle but can also occur around other joints such as the elbow shoulder or wrist The damage usually affects young people between 10 and 20 years old who play sports that put pressure on their knees or ankles.

2. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that causes pain and swelling in the shoulder elbow and knee joints of young athletes It occurs on one side of the joint possibly as a result of trauma or injury and may also be linked to malformations in developing cartilage The affected area creates a bump on the joint's surface that feels like bone under scar tissue People with osteochondritis dissecans should rest the joint so it has time to heal while taking anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation or pain Surgery may be required if there are no improvements after rest.