Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

In brief

Osteochondritis dissecans is a brief disorder in which a fragment of cartilage and subchondral bone separates from an articular surface. The etiology is uncertain, although trauma and ischemia have been implicated. The knee is most commonly affected, but the elbow and ankle may also be involved. Patients typically present during their adolescent or early adult years with nonspecific knee pain and swelling that worsens with activity. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiographic findings. Management decisions are based on the patient's age and the stability, location, and size of the lesion.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Brian M. Ralston

Dr Ralston is a family physician and practices at the Kildare Clinic in Chicago. He is a faculty member in the Department of Family Practice at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Illinois.

James S. Williams

Dr Williams is a fellow, Dr Bach is associate professor and director of sports medicine, and Dr Bush-Joseph is assistant professor, all in the Section of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush Medical College, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, in Chicago.

Bernard R. Bach

Dr Williams is a fellow, Dr Bach is associate professor and director of sports medicine, and Dr Bush-Joseph is assistant professor, all in the Section of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush Medical College, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, in Chicago.

Charles A. Bush-Joseph

Dr Williams is a fellow, Dr Bach is associate professor and director of sports medicine, and Dr Bush-Joseph is assistant professor, all in the Section of Sports Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Rush Medical College, Rush-Presbyterian-St Luke's Medical Center, in Chicago.

William D. Knopp

Dr Knopp is director of the sports medicine fellowship in the Department of Family Practice at MacNeal Hospital. Dr Bach is an editorial board member of the THE PHYSICIAN AND SPORTSMEDICINE.