Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

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What is knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)?

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee is a condition in which a small segment of bone, along with the cartilage covering it, loses part of its blood supply. This can cause the affected fragment to soften, crack, or in some cases separate from the surrounding bone.

OCD most commonly affects adolescents and young adults, and Dr Varun Arora sees and treats patients with this condition across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) include:

  • Knee pain, often worsened by activity

  • Swelling

  • Catching or locking sensations

  • Reduced range of motion

  • A feeling of instability if a fragment becomes loose

Causes and risk factors

Knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can develop for a number of reasons, including:

  • Repetitive stress or microtrauma to the joint

  • Reduced blood supply to a localised area of bone

  • Genetic factors

  • Rapid growth during adolescence

Treatment options for knee osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

Treatment for knee OCD depends on the stability of the affected fragment, the patient's age, and whether the growth plates are still open.

Non-surgical treatment

In younger patients with stable lesions and open growth plates, non-surgical treatment is often tried first, including:

  • Activity modification

  • A period of protected weight-bearing

  • Physiotherapy

  • Monitoring with repeat imaging over time

Surgical treatment

When a lesion is unstable, has separated, or has not responded to non-surgical treatment, surgical treatment may be recommended:

Knee Arthroscopy — used to stabilise, repair, or in some cases remove the affected fragment, depending on its size and condition.

Knee Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) Frequently Asked Questions

  • While OCD most commonly presents in adolescents and young adults, it can occasionally be diagnosed later in life.

  • Stable lesions in younger patients with open growth plates often have a good chance of healing with non-surgical treatment.

Knee Surgery in Melbourne

If you would like to discuss your symptoms or treatment options, contact Dr Varun Arora to schedule a consultation.

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