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Osteochondritis Dissecans – Knee Pain in Children
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) is a relatively common joint condition which affects the cartilage and layer of bone just below it.
A loss of blood flow to the area leads to small bone and cartilage segments separating and becoming unstable.
The cause of OCD is not exactly known, but may be related to repetitive stress to the bone over time, previous injury to the area and genetic factors.
It typically affects growing children and adolescents and is most common in the knee, but can also affect adults and other joints.
If your child is limping and develops any of the following signs you should urgently call 111 who will triage if your child needs urgent care:
- Sudden onset pain in their hip, thigh or knee
- Unable to put any weight on their leg to stand or walk
- The leg has changed shape or is pointing at an odd angle
- Generally unwell with a high temperature, feeling hot and shivery
- Severe pain in the lower part of their tummy
- Symptoms are getting worse
Your child may also need to see a doctor urgently if they have fallen or twisted their knee and:
- Their knee is immediately swollen
- Their knee has locked (they are unable to move it at all) and
- They are unable to put any weight on their leg to stand or walk
If this happens, you should urgently call 111 who will triage if your child needs urgent care.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
How is it managed?
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms can vary between individuals, but can include:
- Vague knee pain, which is worse with exercise or physical activity
- Swelling
- The knee locking, catching or giving way in advanced cases
- Maybe one-sided, but can occur on both sides
Osteochondritis Dissecans will be diagnosed following a physical examination. If suspected an X-ray or MRI can be used to aid diagnosis.
How is it managed?
Modifying activities
Resting and avoiding vigorous activity and impact sports until symptoms resolve can help to relieve pain and swelling. A gradual return to sports may begin once symptoms have resolved.
Activities such as swimming and cycling can be beneficial in reducing impact on the joint.
Find out more on our page, ‘Preventing Sport Injuries’.
Reducing pain
The following things may help improve the pain you are experiencing in your knee;
- Taking painkillers as advised by your doctor or pharmacist
Use of an ice pack – follow the instructions on the pack. It can be helpful to use ice before and after any activities that you know make your pain worse. If you need to, take a break half way through an activity to use ice and settle your pain.
If you have any questions about this information please call Dolphin Physiotherapy Outpatients on 029 218 47577.
If you do not have an appointment arranged with physio and symptoms continue or are not improving gradually, then a child’s parent or legal guardian can self-refer by phoning 02921 836 908.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital of Wales
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4XW
