DESCRIPTION
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Radiographs/Bone Scans
PT IMPLICATIONS
(click here to see references)
- This is a disorder of subchondral bone and articular cartilage characterized by degrees of fragmentation from the articular surface.
- Stable articular lesions with a intact surface may heal with early nonoperative treatment.
- Unstable defects progressively detach and become loose bodies in the joint space that may require surgical intervention.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Patients may complain of joint pain, quadriceps atrophy, catching/locking, stiffness, and swelling that interferes or restrict daily activities.
- Patient may also favor or protect involved limb causing antalgic gait and increase tibial external rotation.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Radiographs/Bone Scans
- Radiographs/bone scans may show bony abnormalities and presence of loose bodies.
- MRI/CT scans may be used to identify subendochondral changes, any fractures cartilage, or the stability of the osteochondral lesion.
- Wilson’s sign is used to assess for provocative knee pain in knee OCD.
PT IMPLICATIONS
- PT treatment should consist of joint protection and unloading to optimize healing, modification or restrictions of aggravating activities, management of pain and any swelling, and exercises in a pain-free ROM to restore normal strength and flexibility.
- Patients who continue to experience mechanical symptom after 3-6 months of conservative treatment are at risk for developing degenerative joint disease should be referred for orthopedic surgeon consultation.
(click here to see references)