About Osteochondritis Dissecans
Key Highlights
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Preserves the natural joint surface and cartilage in growing children.Helps prevent the development of early-onset osteoarthritis in the affected joint.Restores joint stability, function, and range of motion.Tailored, minimally invasive approaches (like arthroscopy) often reduce recovery time.Addresses the root cause of pain and mechanical symptoms like locking or catching.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness in a child or adolescent that does not improve with rest and conservative care.
- An unstable or detached osteochondral fragment visible on imaging (MRI or CT scan).
- Mechanical symptoms such as joint locking, catching, or giving way.
- Failure of non-surgical treatment (activity modification, bracing, physical therapy) over several months.
- A large lesion or one located in a weight-bearing area of the joint with high risk of detachment.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including a detailed medical history and physical examination of the affected joint.
- Advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scan to assess the size, stability, and location of the lesion.
- Pre-operative blood tests and possibly an ECG to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
- Discussion with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist about the surgical plan and anesthesia.
- Instructions on fasting (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery).
- Arranging for post-operative support at home, including crutches or a brace if needed.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Failure of the bone fragment to heal (non-union).
- Damage to surrounding nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage.
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or instability of the joint.
- Progression to osteoarthritis in the joint later in life.
- Potential need for additional surgeries if the initial procedure is not successful.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial period of rest, elevation, and icing to manage pain and swelling.
- Use of crutches and a brace or cast to protect the joint and allow healing, typically for 4-8 weeks.
- A structured physical therapy program is crucial to gradually restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Strict adherence to weight-bearing restrictions as advised by the surgeon.
- Gradual return to low-impact activities, with full return to sports often taking 4-6 months or longer, depending on the procedure and healing progress.
- Regular follow-up appointments and imaging to monitor bone healing.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full return to sports
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering osteochondritis dissecans in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform osteochondritis dissecans. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for osteochondritis dissecans compare across other countries where we have data.
Aarav Joshi is a 13-year-old, highly...
Aarav Joshi is a 13-year-old, highly competitive baseball pitcher from a supportive family. For months, he experienced a persistent, dull ache in his right elbow that worsened with throwing, along with occasional locking and a feeling of instability. Initially dismissed as 'growing pains,' the pain became debilitating, forcing him off the mound. An MRI revealed Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum in his elbow, with a large, unstable fragment. His pediatric orthopedic surgeon recommended arthroscopic surgery to remove the loose fragment and perform microfracture to stimulate new cartilage growth. Aarav was terrified of surgery ending his baseball dreams. The procedure went smoothly, and he spent six weeks in a cast, followed by months of rigorous physical therapy focused first on range of motion, then strength. A year later, Aarav has regained nearly full function and has transitioned to first base, playing pain-free. His emotional journey was a rollercoaster, from fear and despair at his initial diagnosis, through frustration during the slow recovery, to immense relief and a matured perspective on balancing athletic passion with long-term joint health.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Osteochondritis Dissecans
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform osteochondritis dissecans and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata