Osteochondritis Dissecans is the condition of the joint where the bone under the cartilage of a joint dies because of lack of blood flow. This bone and cartilage can be detached, resulting in pain and possibly preventing movement of the joints.
The occurrence of Osteochondritis Dissecans has been found to be common in children and adolescents. The symptoms can be observed either after an injury to a joint or after many months of activities most especially high impact activities, for example jumping and running, which affects the joint. The condition usually occurs in the knee but also occurs in the elbows, ankles and other joints.
Physicians’ categories osteochondritis Dissecans based on the size of the injury, whether the detachment of the fragment is partial or complete, and whether the fragments remain in its position. There may be little or no symptoms if the loosened piece of cartilage and bone remains in place. For young children whose bones are still growing, the injury can cure itself.
What are the Causes of Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Though the major causes of Osteochondritis Dissecans remain unknown but below are some likely causes of Osteochondritis Dissecans:
1. Ischemia: when the supply of blood is restricted, the bone will lack essential nutrients. This restricted supply of blood usually occurs due to some problems with the blood vessels, or it can be due to vascular problems. Bone is subjected to avascular necrosis, a deterioration that occurs as a result of insufficient supply of blood. Ischemia usually occurs along with the history of trauma.
2. Genetic factors: Osteochondritis Dissecans sometimes affects several family members. This may be an indication of inherited genetic susceptibility.
3. Repeated stress on the bones or joint: this can significantly increase the risk of developing an Osteochondritis Dissecans. People practicing competitive sports are more likely to have regularly stressed their joints.
Other factors that are associated with Osteochondritis dissecans may be weak ligaments or meniscal lesions in the knee.
What are the Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Osteochondritis Dissecans may occur in different joints, including the hip and ankle, but 75% of cases affect the knee.
Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans include:
• Inflammation, swelling, and soreness in the joint.
• Catching and locking in the joint during movement.
• Reduced range of movement in the joint.
• When moving the joint there will be grating, cracking, or and popping sound.
• Weakness in the joint.
• Limping.
• Outflow, or an abnormal collection of fluid in the joint area which results in swelling.
• Pain, especially after physical activity.
• Stiffness after a period of inactivity.
Osteochondritis Dissecans Treatment
Treatment for Osteochondritis Dissecans requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
