How is osteochondritis dissecans diagnosed?

To diagnose osteochondritis dissecans, the doctor will perform a physical examination and will assess the joint’s stability. The doctor may order tests, including the following: X-rays, which will show the bone, locate the lesion and reveal its size. A magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI), along with an ultrasound.

What are the signs and symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans?

What are the symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans?

  • Pain and swelling in the affected joint that worsens with activity.
  • Locking and “catching” of the affected joint.
  • A “giving way” sensation in the affected area.
  • Changes in the range of motion in the joint.

What is Wilson’s test?

The Wilson’s Test is a test used to detect the presence of Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.

How long does osteochondritis dissecans take to heal?

The loose piece can break away completely from the end of the bone. Osteochondritis dissecans happens most often in the knee, elbow, or ankle. It usually takes 3 months or longer to heal completely. If it heals completely, kids who have it usually don’t have any long-lasting problems.

How do you treat osteochondritis dissecans?

Treatment

  1. Resting your joint. Avoid activities that stress your joint, such as jumping and running if your knee is affected.
  2. Physical therapy. Most often, this therapy includes stretching, range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises for the muscles that support the involved joint.

Is osteochondritis dissecans rare?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is the most common cause of a loose body in the joint space in adolescents1 and may lead to considerable debility. OCD is a relatively rare disorder, characterized by a focal area of subchondral bone that undergoes necrosis.

Does osteochondritis dissecans go away?

What are MR imaging features of osteochondritis dissecans?

Sagittal fast spin-echo inversion recovery MR image (TR/TE, 5300/72; inversion time, 150 msec) shows high-signal interface between osteochondritic fragment and femur as well as subchondral cysts (arrow), consistent with unstable lesion. Bone marrow edema is present at femur deep relative to osteochondral lesion.

Are there osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral sulcus?

Osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral sulcus (or trochlea) is an uncommon but important pathologic process, accounting for 2% of osteochondritis dissecans in the knee [ 1 ]. Osteochondritis dissecans of this type has specific clinical and radiographic presentations, and diagnosis may be delayed [ 2 ].

Are there any osteochondritis dissecans of the knee?

Boutin RD, Januario JA, Newberg AH et-al. MR imaging features of osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral sulcus. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2003;180 (3): 641-5.

Which is the most common site of osteochondritis?

knee: femoral condyles are most common site accounting for ~95% of all cases: see osteochondritis dissecans of the knee. ankle (talus): see osteochondritis dissecans of the ankle. elbow (capitellum): see osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow.