Diagnosis and Treatment
Once a clinical suspicion of osteochondritis desiccans arises, imaging modalities are used to form a diagnosis.
X-ray:
CT-scan: CT-scans aid to visualise cartilage as well as bone. The location of loose fragments can be pinpointed.
MRI-scan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides the images of hard and soft tissues. This helps the doctor in decision making- whether the damage heals with conservative management or whether surgery is indicated.
Treatment:
There is no single
Adequate rest and protective measures may let bone defects in children to heal, since active childhood is a phase of active bone growth.
Conservative Management:
Rest: Abstain from activities that lay stress on joints such as jumping, running etc.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy involves stretching and range-of-motion exercises. Exercises that strengthen muscles that support the involved joint are also used.
Surgical Management:
Surgery may be required to remove loose fragments or to reattach bone fragments. The procedure may be performed arthroscopically, i.e. making small incisions around the joint and inserting a fibre-optic camera and surgical tools through them.