| OSTEOCHONDRITIS OF THE KNEE |
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| Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee is a disorder in which fragments of bone or cartilage come loose and float around in the knee joint. Other terms for this condition are chondral fracture and osteochondral fracture. The fragments may also be referred to as a joint mouse or lose bodies. |
| HOW DOES IT OCCUR? |
| There has usually been a previous injury to the knee that caused a fragment of bone or cartilage to be chipped off the back of the kneecap or the top part of the knee joint. |
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? |
| Your knee may lock up from time to time. You may see bulges along the joint surface. You may be able to feel these chips or loose bodies along the surface of your knee joint at various times. |
| HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? |
| Your doctor will examine your knee and may find that is clicks or locks. Fragments may be felt along the joint line. An x-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance image) may show bony fragments. |
| HOW IS IT TREATED? |
| Loose bodies causing symptoms may need to be surgically removed. Large defects along the joint surface may need to be surgically connected. |
