Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint condition in which a segment of articular cartilage and the underlying subchondral bone separates or becomes partially detached from the joint surface due to disruption of its blood supply. This condition most commonly affects the knee (particularly the medial femoral condyle), but can also involve the elbow, ankle, and other joints. The exact cause remains incompletely understood, but repetitive microtrauma, ischemia of the subchondral bone, and genetic predisposition are considered contributing factors. Familial forms of osteochondritis dissecans have been described, suggesting a genetic component in some cases, particularly when multiple joints are affected or when the condition presents at a young age. Key symptoms include joint pain (often worsened by physical activity), swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. In more advanced cases, the affected fragment of bone and cartilage may become a loose body within the joint, causing mechanical symptoms such as catching, locking, or giving way of the joint. The condition predominantly affects children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly those who are physically active or involved in sports. Treatment depends on the age of the patient, the size and stability of the lesion, and whether the growth plates are still open. In younger patients with stable lesions, conservative management including activity modification, rest, and physical therapy may allow healing. Unstable or displaced lesions, particularly in older adolescents and adults, often require surgical intervention such as drilling to promote blood flow, internal fixation of the fragment, or in severe cases, removal of the loose body followed by cartilage restoration procedures (e.g., microfracture, osteochondral autograft or allograft transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation). Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important to prevent long-term complications such as premature osteoarthritis.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

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