Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans

overview

Osteochondritis dissecans (os-tee-o-kon-DRY-tis DIS-uh-kanz) is a joint disease in which bones beneath the cartilage of a joint die due to a lack of blood flow. This bone and cartilage can then become loose, causing pain and potentially hindering joint movement.

Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most commonly in children and adolescents. It can cause symptoms either after a joint injury or after several months of activity, especially intense activities such as jumping and running that affect the joint. The condition most commonly occurs in the knee, but also occurs in elbows, ankles, and other joints.

Doctors classify osteochondritis dissecans according to the size of the injury, whether the fragment is partially or completely detached, and whether the fragment remains in place. If the loosened piece of cartilage and bone stays in place, you may have few or no symptoms. In young children whose bones are still developing, the injury may heal on its own.

Surgery may be necessary if the fragment becomes detached and becomes trapped between the moving parts of your joint or if you have persistent pain.

Symptoms

Depending on the joint affected, signs and symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans may include:

• Schmerzen. Dieses häufigste Symptom der Osteochondritis dissecans kann durch körperliche Aktivität ausgelöst werden – Treppensteigen, Bergsteigen oder Sport treiben.
• Schwellung und Zärtlichkeit. Die Haut um Ihr Gelenk kann geschwollen und empfindlich sein.
• Gemeinsames Knallen oder Verriegeln. Ihr Gelenk kann platzen oder in einer Position stecken bleiben, wenn sich während der Bewegung ein loses Fragment zwischen den Knochen verfängt.
• Gelenkschwäche. Sie könnten das Gefühl haben, dass Ihr Gelenk „nachgibt“ oder schwächer wird.
• Verringerte Bewegungsfreiheit. Möglicherweise können Sie die betroffene Extremität nicht vollständig strecken.

When to go to the doctor?

If you have persistent pain or pain in your knee, elbow, or other joint, see your doctor. Other signs and symptoms that should prompt a call or visit to your doctor include joint swelling or the inability to move a joint through its full range of motion.

Causes

The cause of osteochondritis dissecans is unknown. The reduced blood flow to the end of the affected bone may be due to repetitive trauma - small, multiple episodes of minor, unrecognized injuries that damage the bone. There could be a genetic component that makes some people more likely to develop the disorder.

Risk factors

Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most frequently in children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 20 who are active in sports.

Complications

Osteochondritis dissecans may increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in this joint.

prevention

Teens who participate in organized sports may benefit from education about the risks to their joints associated with overuse. Learning the proper mechanics and techniques of your sport, using proper protective equipment, and participating in strength and stability training exercises can help reduce the risk of injury.

Sources:

1. Maruyama M. et al. Diagnose und Behandlung der Osteochondritis dissecans des Humeruskapitellums. Zeitschrift für orthopädische Wissenschaft. 2018;23:213.
2. Osteochondritis dissecans. Amerikanische Akademie der orthopädischen Chirurgen. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/osteochondritis-dissecans. Abgerufen am 6. August 2018.
3. Hergenroeder AC, et al. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD): Klinische Manifestationen und Diagnose. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Abgerufen am 2. August 2018.
4. Osteochondritis dissecans. Informationszentrum für genetische und seltene Krankheiten. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/12703/osteochondritis-dissecans. Abgerufen am 7. August 2018.
5. Hergenroeder AC, et al. Behandlung von Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Abgerufen am 2. August 2018.
6. Ein Leitfaden zur Sicherheit für junge Sportler. Amerikanische Akademie der orthopädischen Chirurgen. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/a-guide-to-safety-for-young-athletes. Abgerufen am 8. August 2018.
7. Laskowski ER (Gutachten). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 8. August 2018.