If you have a sore joint (especially your knee or elbow), see your doctor. You might have swelling, and you might not be able to extend your arm or leg fully. Your pain may or may not be related to an injury. You may have pain during activity and feel stiff after resting. These are all clues to your doctor that you may have osteochondritis dissecans. Your doctor will check you to be sure the joint is stable and check for extra fluid in the joint. Your doctor will consider the possible causes of joint pain, such as fractures, sprains and osteochondritis dissecans. If osteochondritis dissecans is suspected, your doctor will order x-rays to check all sides of the joint.

 

What tests should I have?

If signs of osteochondritis dissecans are seen on x-rays of one joint, you'll have x-rays of the other joint to compare them. After this, you may have MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) done. An MRI can show whether the loose piece is still in place or whether it has moved into the joint space. If the loose piece is unstable, you might need surgery to remove it or secure it. If the loose piece is stable you may not need surgery, but you may need other kinds of treatment.

 

Do I have to stop sports activities?

If a nonsurgical treatment is recommended, you should avoid activities that cause discomfort. You should avoid competitive sports for 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor may suggest stretching exercises or swimming instead.

 

Can osteochondritis dissecans be cured?

Young people have the best chance of returning to their usual activity levels, although they might not be able to keep playing sports with repetitive motions, such as baseball pitching. Adults are more likely to need surgery and are less likely to be completely cured. They may later get arthritis in the joint.