Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) is a recognized joint deformity affecting mainly young boys, often linked to repetitive trauma from sports participation. Diagnosis is made through plain radiographs, and effective treatment primarily involves physiotherapy, immobilization, and gradual rehabilitation. If symptoms persist or in cases of unstable lesions, surgical intervention may be necessary.

2. Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans (JOCD) is one of the
recognized entities for over 100 years now. Inspite of long
recognition of this typical joint deformity, its natural history
and effective therapies are not understood properly.
Even though conclusive evidence of the exact cause of this
disease is lacking, there is pervasive agreement that this
condition is associated with repetitive trauma. Patients
suffering from the disease have vague pain and some
mechanical symptoms.
The diagnosis of the condition can only be formulated
through plain radiographs.

3. Juvenile Osteochondritis
Dissecans can become a
complicated condition if left
undiagnosed and treatment.
Proper diagnosis will ensure
that appropriate
management measures can
be taken to deal with the
complications related to this
condition.

4. Background Information
Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans is an acquired disease,
potentially reversible, having an idiopathic lesion of
subcondral bone that results in delimitation as well as
sequestration, in the instance of articular instability or
involvement, or may be without.
It refers to one such condition that commonly affects
children as a result of their growing participation in various
kinds of competitive sports at a tender age. There is
definitely a steady gender bias, with young boys being
predominantly affected by the disease.

5. While most of the cases of Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans
affect the knee, in at least 65 to 75 percent of the cases, 70
percent of the cases affect the overall postero-lateral aspect of
the medial femoral condoyle. There are many reported causes
of the condition, which includes inflammation, ischemia,
genetics, repeated trauma and ossification.

6. As stated earlier, Juvenile
Osteochondritis Dissecans
commonly affects children,
though it can also be seen in
young adults and grown
adults.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
can be classified as a case of
maturation status of distal
femoral physis.

7. Experts agree that the only methodic treatment for
Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans is physiotherapy
management. Patients generally respond very well to this
treatment and further aggravation is not seen.
The treatment initially begins with methods of knee
immobilization using a brace or cast. Crutches may be
given for additional support. The most important criteria
for further progression are to ensure that the child is pain
free.

8. Once pain is relieved, the cast or brace support needs to
be removed. Rehabilitation will begin with low impact
strength training like hams and quads. However, sports will
be restricted. During this stage of treatment, it is
important to note radiographic and clinical signs of wound
healing.
Once the wound is healed, the treatment will graduate to
loading, which included participation in running and
jumping. Gradually, sports will also begin. Complete
healing of the symptoms is must in order to increase
activities and intensity. Repeating an MRI is the key to
learn more about the lesion healing.

9. While most of the pain should
be healed by physical therapy
management, Juvenile
Osteochondritis Dissecans may
require surgical management at
certain point.
For instance, patients with
immature skeleton having
unstable or detached lesions
will need a surgery. When nonoperative methods of
management fail, it may be
necessary to opt for surgical
methods.