What is Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition in which a piece of cartilage, along with a thin layer of bone separates because of inadequate blood supply. The separated fragments are sometimes called “joint mice”. These fragments may be localized or may detach and fall into the joint space, causing pain and joint instability.
Osteochondritis dissecans can occur in any of the joints including your elbows, ankles, shoulders, and hips. It is more common among boys and young men between 10 and 20 years who actively take part in sports. Athletes participating in sports such as gymnastics and baseball may develop osteochondritis dissecans.
What are the Causes of Osteochondritis Dissecans?
The exact cause for osteochondritis dissecans remains unknown and certain factors such as trauma, fractures, sprains or injury to the joint are considered as risk factors.
Osteochondritis dissecans may be caused by restricted blood supply to the end of the affected bone that usually occurs in conjunction with repetitive trauma. Following the injury or trauma, the bones in the area may be deprived of blood flow, leading to necrosis and finally, the bone fragment may break off. This may initiate the healing process, however, by this time, articular cartilage will be compressed, flattened, and a subchondral cyst will develop. All these changes, in addition to increased joint pressure, cause failure of healing of the joint.
Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis dissecans usually leads to elbow joint pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Pain usually increases after activity.
Diagnosis of Osteochondritis Dissecans
Your doctor will probably order an X-ray of both the right and left elbow to view any abnormality in the joint space and to compare them. You may also have a CT or MRI scan, which is useful in determining the location of loose fragments within the joint.