Osteochondritis Dissecans Treatment
Joints connect bones and allow for bending, twisting and other movements. The ends of the bones in major joints like the knee are covered with cartilage, integral in the joint movement. Osteochondritis dissecans is a bone disease that can impact the end of bones in major joints, especially the knee. Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers specialized osteochondritis dissecans treatment at our state-of-the-art medical facility in New York City.
What Is Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Osteochondritis dissecans occurs when blood supply is restricted to the end of a bone in a major joint. The bottom of the femur in the knee joint is the most common bone affected by this disease, but it can also occur in the ankle, hip, shoulder and elbow. The loss of blood supply can cause the end of the femur or other bone to soften and die. The end of the bone, including the attached cartilage, can break from the rest of the bone, becoming loose in the joint.
Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most commonly in active youth from ages 10-20, but it can affect those of any age. There is no known cause, but it is more common in young athletes that suffer repeated stress to the joints. The process of bone deterioration occurs over many months, and symptoms may not be immediately apparent. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Limited range of motion in the knee or joint
- Pain, swelling and weakness in the joint after activity
- Stiffness in the joint after periods of rest
- Popping or clicking sound when moving the joint
- Locked knee or joint sticking in one position
At Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, we offer advanced treatments for osteochondritis dissecans to relieve pain and improve joint function. We offer both surgical and non-surgical options, depending on the extent of damage to the bone and joint. For a diagnosis and treatment options for osteochondritis dissecans, contact our clinic in UES NYC.
