How long does it take for an osteochondral lesion to heal?
The recovery period after an osteochondral lesion usually lasts six months to a year. Typically, you progress from range-of-motion exercises to light cardiovascular exercise and then strengthening exercises. If you experience episodes of minor swelling or pain while exercising, have your physician examine your ankle.
What is an OCD lesion of the ankle?
An osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) is an area of abnormal, damaged cartilage and bone on the top of the talus bone (the lower bone of the ankle joint). This condition is also known as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the talus or a talar osteochondral lesion (OCL).
Do osteochondral lesions heal?
In general, osteochondral lesions do not heal on their own. Treatment is usually determined by the stability of the lesion and the amount of pain that it causes you. For small cartilage lesions, especially in younger patients, doctors typically prescribe immobilization with a removable cast, called a cam walker.
Can an OCD lesion heal on its own?
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.
How long does it take to recover from OCD ankle surgery?
Recovery from surgery for OCD will vary depending on the stage and extent of the injury. You should speak with your doctor about what recovery may mean for you. On average, it can take about eight weeks before bones and soft tissues heal. You will need to wear a cast during this time.
Is osteochondral defect the same as osteochondritis dissecans?
An osteochondral defect, also commonly known as osteochondritis dissecans, of the knee refers to a damage or injury to the smooth articular cartilage surrounding the knee joint and the bone underneath the cartilage.
What causes osteochondritis dissecans in the ankle?
The cause of osteochondritis dissecans is unknown. The reduced blood flow to the end of the affected bone might result from repetitive trauma — small, multiple episodes of minor, unrecognized injury that damage the bone. There might be a genetic component, making some people more inclined to develop the disorder.
How common is osteochondritis dissecans ankle?
In 1922 Kappis was the first to describe a similar lesion in the ankle joint (2). The talus is the third most frequently affected anatomical site, after the knee and the elbow joints (3, 4). According to the literature, OCD of the talus has an incidence of 0.09% and a prevalence of 0.002/100,000 person/year (5, 6).
Is osteochondral lesion serious?
In summary. Osteochondral lesions of the talus are a reasonably infrequent cause of long-standing ankle pain and stiffness and are often the result of a severe ankle sprain type injury.
How do you fix osteochondritis dissecans?
Treatment
- Resting your joint. Avoid activities that stress your joint, such as jumping and running if your knee is affected.
- Physical therapy. Most often, this therapy includes stretching, range-of-motion exercises and strengthening exercises for the muscles that support the involved joint.
Is osteochondritis dissecans genetic?
Researchers suggest that a disorganized cartilage network in growing bones impairs their normal growth, leading to short stature. Sporadic osteochondritis dissecans is not caused by genetic changes and is not inherited.
What causes osteochondritis dissecans of the ankle?
Osteochronditis dissecans (aka “OCD”) is a condition in which the bone that supports the cartilage inside a joint undergoes softening. This softening is caused by an interruption in the blood flow to that portion of the bone. Over time, if left untreated, this can lead to damage to the overlying cartilage of the joint.
What is the osteochondritis dissecans of the talus?
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the talus is a subchondral bone pathology that presents as an osteochondral lesion of the talar dome with consequent articular cartilage abnormalities.
What are the symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans in the joints?
Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition that occurs in the joints (the place where the end of one bone meets the end of another bone) when a lack of blood to the joint causes the bone inside to soften. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness. Diagnosis and treatment are discussed. What is osteochondritis dissecans?
When to have surgery for osteochondritis dissecans?
The OCD lesions have a greater chance of separating from the surrounding bone and cartilage, and can even detach and float around inside the joint. In these cases, surgery may be necessary. A joint is where the ends of bones meet, such as your knee, ankle, or shoulder joint.