Osteochondral Injuries
Protecting the Cartilage. Preserving the Joint.
Osteochondral injuries involve damage to the articular cartilage and the underlying bone within a joint. These injuries most commonly affect the knee, but can also occur in the ankle, hip and elbow.
If left untreated, they can lead to persistent pain, swelling, mechanical symptoms and early arthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to preserve the joint and maintain long-term function.
What Causes Osteochondral Injuries?
Osteochondral injuries may occur due to:
- Sports injuries
- Twisting or pivoting trauma
- Knee dislocations
- Patellar dislocations
- ACL injuries
- Direct impact during falls or accidents
- Repetitive stress in athletes
Osteochondral injuries are frequently associated with ligament injuries and meniscal tears.
Common Symptoms in Osteochondral Injuries
Patients may experience:
- Persistent joint pain
- Swelling after activity
- Locking or catching sensations
- Clicking within the joint
- Reduced range of movement
- Difficulty running, squatting or climbing stairs
Large osteochondral fragments may become loose within the joint, causing sudden locking episodes.
Diagnosis of Osteochondral Injuries
A thorough assessment includes:
- Clinical examination
- Digital X-rays
- MRI scan to evaluate cartilage and bone injury
- CT scan in selected cases for surgical planning
MRI is particularly useful for assessing the size, depth and stability of the cartilage lesion.
Treatment Options for Osteochondral Injuries
Treatment depends on:
- Patient's age
- Activity level
- Size and location of the injury
- Stability of the cartilage fragment
- Associated ligament or meniscal injuries
Non-Surgical Treatment
Small, stable injuries may be managed with:
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Bracing when required
- Gradual return to activity
Advanced Arthroscopic Treatment
When symptoms persist or the injury is unstable, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be recommended. Depending on the injury, treatment may include:
Arthroscopic Removal or Fixation
Loose osteochondral fragments may be fixed back into their original position using specialised implants, or removed if they cannot be salvaged.
Microfracture Surgery
Small holes are created in the underlying bone to stimulate the formation of new repair cartilage.
Osteochondral Autograft Transfer (OATS / Mosaicplasty)
Healthy cartilage and bone are transferred from a non-weight-bearing area to repair the damaged surface.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Large cartilage defects may be reconstructed using donor osteochondral grafts in selected cases.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI)
For larger cartilage defects, cartilage cells may be cultured and implanted to regenerate new cartilage in carefully selected patients.
The most appropriate treatment is chosen based on the size of the defect, patient age and functional demands.
Rehabilitation for Osteochondral Injuries
Recovery depends on the type of procedure performed. Rehabilitation typically includes:
- Protected weight-bearing when required
- Physiotherapy to restore movement
- Progressive muscle strengthening
- Balance and proprioception training
- Sport-specific rehabilitation
A gradual return to sports is guided by clinical assessment and functional recovery.
Why is Early Treatment Important in Osteochondral Injuries?
Untreated osteochondral injuries may lead to:
- Progressive cartilage damage
- Loose bodies within the joint
- Persistent pain
- Joint instability
- Early osteoarthritis
Timely treatment helps preserve healthy cartilage and improves long-term joint function.
Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?
Dr. Anand Jadhav specialises in Cartilage Preservation and Sports Knee Surgery, offering advanced arthroscopic techniques to restore joint function while preserving the natural joint.
His expertise includes:
- Arthroscopic Cartilage Surgery
- Osteochondral Injury Management
- Microfracture Surgery
- Meniscus Preservation
- ACL & Multi-Ligament Reconstruction
- Joint Preservation Procedures
Every treatment plan is personalised to restore mobility, relieve pain and help patients safely return to work, sport and an active lifestyle.
Preserve Cartilage • Restore Function • Protect the Future of Your Joint
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cartilage heal on its own?
Articular cartilage has a very limited healing capacity because it has a poor blood supply. Early assessment is important to determine whether treatment is required.
Is surgery always necessary?
No. Small, stable injuries often respond well to non-surgical treatment. Larger or unstable lesions usually require arthroscopic intervention.
Can I return to sports?
Yes. Many patients return to recreational and competitive sports after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. The timing depends on the size of the injury and the procedure performed.