The bones require adequate blood supply to keep them strong and healthy. If the blood supply is reduced to a portion of the bone, it can deteriorate and weaken. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where the blood supply is restricted to a portion of the lower femur, resulting in a decayed area of bone. Orthopedic surgeon and knee specialist, Dr. Farzin Kabaei, at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA, offers osteochondritis dissecans treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.

Osteochondritis dissecans occurs most commonly in children and adolescents that are active or involved in sports. The exact cause of blood supply interruption is not always understood, but the femur is usually where the issue occurs. A portion of the lower femur can be cut off from the blood supply and begin to deteriorate. Osteochondritis dissecans can create a weak area of bone that may crumble or break away from the rest of the bone. This is usually at the lower end of the femur, underneath the articular cartilage. A portion of bone and cartilage can detach and become loose bodies in the knee.

Symptoms of Osteochondritis Dissecans

Children or adolescents with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) will have symptoms that can be signs of a knee or leg disorder. Young athletes with OCD will often complain of knee pain or have swelling in the upper knee. Some children with OCD will experience popping or catching in the knee during movement, and pain can also increase when climbing stairs or hills. Weakness in the knee may occur as the disease progresses.

Most adolescents with OCD can undergo conservative treatments to relieve pain and other symptoms. A cast or splint may be used to immobilize the knee and allow the bone to heal. In many cases, the disease can resolve itself; but in some cases, surgery is required to repair the bone or remove loose bodies from the knee. Dr. Kabaei performs OCD surgery to relieve pain and restore function to the knee.

If your child has osteochondritis dissecans, treatment is available at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA. Contact our orthopedic practice in Beverly Hills to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kabaei.