At the Penn Center for Advanced Cartilage Repair and Osteochondritis Dissecans Treatment, our orthopaedic experts specialize in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and have pioneered the latest advancements in diagnosis, treatment and care.
We are one of the first centers in the nation to focus on OCD and offer the most advanced treatment available in the Philadelphia region. We see a high volume of OCD patients and are highly experienced in cartilage repair and cartilage transplant surgical procedures.
Meet the team of experts who specialize in treating osteochondritis dissecans of the foot and ankle
Osteochondritis Dissecans Signs and Symptoms
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition in which a fragment of bone and cartilage separates causing pain, swelling and mechanical issues. OCD occurs most often in children and adolescents.
OCD is characterized by a loss of blood supply to one or more bones in the ankle, which may result in a fracture or break within the ankle joint. It often occurs after an injury such as a sprain or trauma to the foot and ankle.
The severity of OCD depends on whether the fragmented bone stays in place or detaches. When a fragment of bone detaches it causes stiffness, pain, swelling and difficulty bearing weight on the foot and ankle. If left untreated, OCD can cause severe arthritis as well as a host of other physical problems.
Osteochondritis Dissecans Foot and Ankle Treatment Options
Depending upon the severity of the injury, we may first try conservative therapies to treat OCD, including:
- Activity modification involving rest with a cast
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injection
- Physical therapy
Surgery for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Foot and Ankle
When OCD is too severe and non-surgical treatment does not work, we may recommend surgery. If the fractured bone has completely detached, it can get caught between joints, causing pain. The type of surgery needed will depend on the stage and size of the injury.
We have one of the few clinics in the nation to focus solely on OCD. Our depth of knowledge and expertise in treating OCD is not found anywhere else in the region. We use minimally invasive techniques to make a small incision in the ankle. Using specialized surgical instruments, we reattach fragments of bone and remove any loose bone and damaged cartilage. We sometimes use special surgical hardware, such as screws and pins, to keep the bones in place.
To treat damaged and diseased cartilage, we perform the following cutting-edge techniques:
Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OAT)
OAT means that cartilage from one part of the joint is transferred to another. We take the healthy cartilage from an area of the bone that is non-weight bearing. Then we match the graft to the surface area of the defect, leaving a smooth surface in the joint.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
An allograft is a tissue graft taken from a cadaver donor. It is a block of cartilage and bone that can be shaped to fit the exact contour of the defect and then pressed into place.
Osteochondritis Dissecans Surgery Recovery
Recovery from surgery for OCD will vary depending on the stage and extent of the injury. You should speak with your doctor about what recovery may mean for you.
On average, it can take about eight weeks before bones and soft tissues heal. You will need to wear a cast during this time. Eventually, you may need to go to physical therapy to rebuild strength and to help heal bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Your doctor will create an individualized recovery plan to ensure you receive the best possible results and quickest recovery.