Osteochondritis Dissecans
The disease known as osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition that happens when the bone beneath the cartilage of the knee joint dies because of insufficient blood flow and oxygen. The bone and cartilage will break apart, causing pain and decreased range of motion within the joint. While the condition can happen to any joint in the body, it is most common in the knee. Those who are active in sports, especially children and adolescents, are at risk of developing osteochondritis dissecans. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be caused by repetitive trauma to the bones.
The symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans include pain and swelling around the knee joint, tenderness to the touch, joint popping and clicking, decreased range of motion, and weakness in the joint. Rest and physical therapy are usually required to ease the symptoms. Depending on the size and location of bone and cartilage remnants, surgery may be necessary to remove them to prevent any further damage.
