Final answer:
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a joint condition where bone and cartilage lose their blood supply, often affecting the knee. Initial management includes conservative treatments, with surgery for more severe cases. Diagnosis is assisted by X-ray images, particularly AP and lateral views.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)
Osteochondritis Dissecans is a joint condition wherein a variable amount of bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply, causing it to separate from the surrounding tissue. This condition typically affects children and adolescents undergoing growth spurts but can persist into adulthood. The knee is the most common location for OCD, particularly on the medial femoral condyle.
Signs and Symptoms in the Knee
Signs of OCD in the knee may include pain, swelling, joint locking, and decreased range of motion. Patients might experience symptoms after exercise or prolonged activity, and with disease progression, these symptoms may become constant.
Diagnosis and Management
To diagnose OCD, healthcare providers rely on X-ray views, with the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views being most commonly used. Sometimes more advanced imaging like MRI can be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Management of OCD typically begins conservatively with rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). In more severe cases, surgical intervention might be required to reattach or replace the affected bone and cartilage.