Osteochondritis Dissecans
Symptoms
Pain and swelling of a joint — often brought on by sports or physical activity — are the most common initial symptoms of OCD. Advanced cases of OCD may cause joint catching or locking.
Treatment
Observation and Activity Changes
In most cases, OCD lesions in children and young teens will heal on their own, especially when the body still has a great deal of growing to do. Resting and avoiding vigorous sports until symptoms resolve will often relieve pain and swelling.
Nonsurgical Treatment
If symptoms do not subside after a reasonable amount of time, your doctor may recommend the use of crutches, or splinting or casting the affected arm, leg or other joint for a short period of time.
In general, most children start to feel better over a 2- to 4-month course of rest and nonsurgical treatment. They usually return to all activities as symptoms improve.
(Left) The knee joint is formed where the femur meets the tibia. (Right) The most common site for OCD of the knee.
Surgical Treatment
Your doctor may recommend surgery if:
- Nonsurgical treatment fails to relieve pain and swelling
- The lesion is separated or detached from the surrounding bone and cartilage, moving around within the joint
- The lesion is very large (greater than 1 centimeter in diameter), especially in older teens
There are different surgical techniques for treating OCD, depending upon the individual case.
- Drilling into the lesion to create pathways for new blood vessels to nourish the affected area. This will encourage healing of the surrounding bone.
- Holding the lesion in place with internal fixation (such as pins and screws).
- Replacing the damaged area with a new piece of bone and cartilage (called a graft). This can help regenerate healthy bone and cartilage in the area damaged by OCD.
Contact Us
- 1/1 B2, Anusham Plaza, By Pass Rd, Anusham Nagar, Udumalaipettai, Tamil Nadu 642126
- 04252 226 463
- 04252 226 463
- helpdesk@crishnaclinic.com
- info@crishnaclinic.com
