#osteochondritis

[drchristophedelongsblog]

Osteochondritis dissecans: when a teenager's knee cracks

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that mainly affects teenagers and is characterised by damage to the articular cartilage of the knee.

What are the symptoms?

Pain in the knee, often during physical activity.

Sensation of the knee catching or locking.

Slight swelling.

What are the causes?

The exact causes have not yet been fully elucidated, but mechanical factors (repetitive strain injury, overuse in sport) and vascular factors could be involved.

How is the diagnosis confirmed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical examination and additional tests:

X-rays: to visualise the bone lesion.

MRI: provides more precise information on the extent of the lesion and the state of the cartilage.

What is the treatment?

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient's age. It may be :

Conservative: rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy.

Surgical: if the injury is significant and does not heal spontaneously.

Go further

[drchristophedelongsblog]

Growing pains in children's elbows: beware of osteochondritis dissecans!

Growing pains in the elbow are common in children, but be careful not to confuse them with osteochondritis dissecans.

What are the signs to look out for?

- Pain in the humeral condyle or radial head, aggravated by physical activity.

- The joint may swell after exercise.

How can the diagnosis be confirmed?

Standard X-rays often contribute little. X-rays taken from ¾ and the side can better show osteochondritis dissecans.

What is the treatment?

- In most cases: sports rest and monitoring.

- If the condition is unfavourable: surgical intervention (curettage, fixation or removal).

Sequelae are rare.

To find out more :

- Polyosteochondrosis and osteochondritis of the glenoid bulge: differential diagnoses to consider, but extremely rare.

- Importance of a thorough clinical examination to rule out other causes of pain.

Go further

[phillipkapraun]

Facts about Osteochondritis Dissecans in Equines

A private practice equine veterinarian, Dr. Phillip Kapraun focuses on rehabilitating lame performance horses. Currently treating animals at Harvard Equine Practice in Harvard, Illinois, Phillip Kapraun, DVM, pioneered the development of the now standard treatment for equine osteochondritis dissecans. Osteochondritis dissecans is a developmental disease in which cracks in the cartilage lead the joint to become inflamed. A condition frequently located around the leg joints, osteochondritis dissecans can occur in any joint. Affecting some breeds more than others, osteochondritis dissecans can have an incident rate as high as 80 percent in some breeds, such as Standardbreds and warmbloods, and can cause lameness. With genetic factors thought to account for between 25 percent and 50 percent of occurrences of the disease in horses, some environmental factors can also contribute to the development of osteochondritis dissecans. These factors may include heavier-than-average weight, copper deficiency, irregular exercise, and overly high phosphorus intake relative to calcium intake. The most common symptom associated with the disease is fluid retention in the joints.

[jimcom7-blog]

[jimcom7-blog]

[crewboo]

Update time?

If any of you are ACTUALLY INTERESTED in my day to day life, I guess I'll update it for you.

ERM. LJ and I are nearing 7 months in about 2 weeks. So yeah. That's exciting. I guess.

OH! HERE'S A GOOD ONE. I have officially been diagnosed with OCD. As in Osteochondritis Dessicants. It's a 2.14 cm wide DEAD spot in my knee. Like it's legit just dead. Blood flow didn't get to it, or bone cells didn't grow properly, it's some freaky mutation. But yeah it resricts me from doing any activites other than walking or swimming. Super duper excited to be on crutches for 6 months. NOT.

I'm most likely coxing for the men's novice team next year. ugh. better that that nothing.