Osteochondritis dissecans, Also known as OCD is, is a small area of dying bone tissue. OCD can happen in any joint. The bone dies because it is not getting enough blood. OCD occurs when bone and cartilage separate from one another inside a joint. If it's not treated, a chunck of bone can come lose inside the joint. Children of all age can get OCD, but it is more common in teenagers. The most common location of OCD is in the knee at the end of the femur. No one knows exactly what causes the disruption to the blood supply that results in OCD. Doctors think it probably involves repetitive trauma or stresses to the bone over time, or a change in activity. In most cases OCD lesions in children and young teens will heal on their own, especially when the body still has a great deal of growing to do. Resting and avoiding vigorous sports until symptoms resolve will often relieve pain and swelling. Some cases of OCD in the bones can start with an overuse injury. If the problem does not resolve, sometimes surgery is necessary to fix the bone and the tissue.
Sources:
Welcome to Seattle Children’s." Seattle Children's Hospital. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Mar. 2014. http://www.seattlechildrens.org
