Learn about Osteochondritis Dissecans Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Osteochondritis Dissecans and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Osteochondritis Dissecans

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) treatment in pediatric orthopedics is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at addressing a condition where a segment of bone and its overlying cartilage in a joint, most commonly the knee, elbow, or ankle, loses its blood supply and begins to separate. In children and adolescents, this can lead to pain, swelling, and joint instability. The primary goal is to preserve the joint surface, promote healing of the affected bone fragment, and restore normal function to prevent early-onset arthritis. Treatment strategies are tailored to the child's age, skeletal maturity, and the stability of the lesion, ranging from non-surgical management for stable lesions to advanced arthroscopic or open surgical techniques for unstable or detached fragments. These may include drilling to stimulate blood flow, internal fixation to secure the fragment, or cartilage restoration procedures.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 3-6 months for full return to sports Know More
Turkey TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand 1-3 days ~ 3-6 months for full return to sports Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated