Symptoms and causes of ostrochondritis dissecans can be found at the Mayo Clinic.
When there is a lack of blood in the joints, the bone inside becomes soft.This results in a small piece of the bone dying.The bone piece can crack and break loose if it is not protected.
The loose bone and cartilage can move into the joint area and cause it to become wobbly.The bone and cartilage are separated by the condition.Symptoms may take a long time to appear, and the entire process can take months or even years.
It affects the knee at the end of the thighbone.The shoulder and hip can also be affected by the condition.
In one joint, osteochondritis dissecans develops.The condition is known as sporadic osteochondritis dissecans when there is only one injury in a single joint.
Young athletes and those who are physically active are more likely to suffer from osteochondritis dissecans.People of all ages can develop the condition.
osteochondritis dissecans can appear in more than one joint in a family.People with this type of osteochondritis dissecans usually have a short stature and a tendency to develop osteoarthritis early in life.
The causes of sporadic osteochondritis are not known.It is possible that trauma or stress to a joint can lead to the condition.
The source of aggrecan is found in the ACAN gene, which is the cause of hereditary osteochondritis dissecans.The cartilage is weak and disorganized because the protein cannot build it like it should.It is not known how the weak and disorganized cartilage results in bone separation.
There may be no symptoms if the separated bone and cartilage stay close to the larger bone.If there are symptoms, they can be included.
The doctor will perform a physical examination and assess the stability of the joint.The doctor can order tests.
A genetic test can detect changes in genes and chromosomes.
As they grow older, sporadic osteochondritis dissecans will usually heal on their own.It is possible to relieve pain and swelling with rest and time off from vigorous physical activities.Ibuprofen may be recommended by the doctor for pain relief.
The injured joint will start functioning normally after six to 12 weeks.The child should gradually resume their athletic activities with gentle exercises.
If the healing is slow, the doctor may suggest the use of crutches or a cast.The doctor may recommend physical therapy for the patient.
The surgery can be done with small tools and a camera.There are three surgical techniques.
After surgery, the patient will use crutches for about six weeks, and then undergo physical therapy for two to four months to build strength and restore the joint's range of motion.Four to five months after surgery, the patient might be able to resume physical activity.
It is difficult to prevent osteochondritis since its causes are not known.Young children playing sports can protect their joints by wearing pads and protective gear.It is important for them to practice the proper physical techniques in their sport, to stretch and warm up before vigorous physical activity and to cool down afterwards.
Younger patients have a better chance of recovery and a return to pre-injury activities.The patient might have to give up sports activities that require repetitive motions.
Adults are less likely to recover from surgery for osteochondritis dissecans.Adults are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in the injured joint.
Once the patient heals, osteochondritis doesn't return.As the symptoms go away, the condition seems to heal.Symptoms can come back in time.
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Cleveland Clinic is not a profit center.Our mission is supported by advertising on our site.We don't endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products.Policy.
Cleveland Clinic is not a profit center.Our mission is supported by advertising on our site.We don't endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products.Policy.