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.

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.