Definition
Osteochondritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the bone during the growth period.
At the origin of this condition, there is a defect in the vascularization of the cartilage at the level of the ossification nuclei, with relative nutritional deficiencies. Consequently, the poorly nourished cartilage detaches from the original site and wedges itself in the joint, forming the so-called "articular tofo". The presence of this element causes pain and difficulty in the movement.
The causes that trigger this process are still little known, but a genetic predisposition to manifest the disorder has been hypothesized.
Osteochondritis is typical of childhood and adolescence.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Joint swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Tofi
Further indications
Osteochondritis is initially asymptomatic. Gradually, there is pain in the affected joint and limitation of movement. Overweight and ambulation accentuate the symptoms and the gait is altered.
Usually, the disorder softens spontaneously when the joint tofo is reabsorbed; to facilitate recovery it is possible to resort to rest and to stop physical activity for 6-8 weeks. When the pain is particularly intense, however, surgery could be indicated to restore blood circulation and counteract the death of cartilage tissue altered by the pathological process.
