What is Osteochondritis Dissecans?
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint condition where a small segment of bone and cartilage separates due to loss of blood supply. It most commonly affects the knee in adolescents.
What happens in OCD?
The bone under the cartilage softens and may break loose, causing pain, swelling, and mechanical locking of the knee.
Common causes
- Repetitive stress during sport
- Genetic or anatomical predisposition
- Reduced blood flow to the subchondral bone
Who is most affected?
- Adolescents aged 10–20
- Athletes in high-impact sports like football and basketball
- In Australia, it is often seen in teenage footballers and basketballers
Symptoms
- Knee pain worsened with activity
- Swelling and stiffness
- Locking or catching if the loose body forms
📞 If your child has persistent knee swelling or locking, book an assessment at Spinal and Sports Care.
Diagnosis
Clinical examination:
- Tenderness and swelling
Imaging:
- X-ray to visualise bone changes
- MRI to assess the stability of the OCD lesion
Treatment options
Non-surgical:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy to maintain strength and range
- Bracing in some cases
Surgical:
- Indicated if loose fragments or unstable lesions
- Options include drilling, fixation, or cartilage restoration
Role of physiotherapy
- Maintain strength during the rest period
- Guide gradual return-to-sport
- Support recovery after surgery if required
Recovery timeline
- Stable lesions: 3–6 months with rest and rehab
- Unstable lesions or surgery: 6–12 months
Prevention
- Avoid overtraining in young athletes
- Monitor knee pain in adolescence
- Encourage early treatment to avoid progression
Taping and bracing
- Bracing is sometimes used to reduce stress on the lesion
- Taping is less effective for this condition
When to see a physiotherapist or chiropractor
📞 If adolescent knee pain persists beyond 2 weeks with swelling or locking, seek assessment at Spinal and Sports Care.
