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Osteochondritis Dissecans - General Definition

July 19, 2006 Send this Article to a FriendPrint This Article

Author: Certified HyperStrike Athletic Trainers

Definition

• A condition that affects a joint where the cartilage and its underlying bone become fragmented and detached from its articulating surface. 3
• Common sites of occurrence: a) knee, b) elbow, and c) ankle.
• Subcategory/condition of osteochondrosis, a degenerative change in the bone epiphyses (i.e. ossification centers), especially during periods of rapid growth in children. 2, 3
• Condition is not well understood.
• Causative factors may include: a) a disruption of the circulation to the epiphysis, b) trauma to the articular cartilage causing a fracture or eventual formation of fissures that descend to the subchondral bone. 2
• Trauma to the bone may result in a partial or complete dislodging of bone into the joint space. 1
• Signs and symptoms may include: a) pain, b) joint damage which may present itself with a “locking” sensation and limited range of motion, 1 c) generalized chronic, non specific pain with physical exertion, d) possible chronic swelling, e) possible point tenderness on bony structures that are affected.

References

1. Pfeiffer RP, Mangus BC. Concepts of Athletic Training. 4th ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.; 2005: 217.
2. Prentice WE. Arnheim’s Principles of Athletic Training: A competency-based approach. 11th ed. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill; 2003: 242.
3. Thomas CL, ed. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 17th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A Davis Co; 1993: 1381
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