What is an osteochondral fracture?

osteochondral fracture is a type of fracture in which the joint cartilage at the end of the joint is torn. These fractures are most often observed in knee and ankle joints, because these joints require a lot of tension and carry a lot of weight, which can cause them to be vulnerable to damage. Depending on the severity of the fracture, there are a number of treatment options from relatively conservative treatment to surgery. It is important to obtain osteoochondral fracture treated, because such fractures can lead to the development of osteoarthritis later in life. Sometimes they remain connected to the joint, in which case they are known as stable, while in other cases they are unstable, floating inside the joint. These fragments are the cause of concern because they can crush on the joint, causing further damage, except that the joint painful.

X -ray can be used to identify osteochondral brokenIny and sometimes other studies on medical display can be used to get a more complete image of what is happening inside the joint. These studies are also used to recommend treatment. In a mild osteochondral fracture, treatment can be as simple as rest and casting to allow the joint time to allow itself. Younger patients often recover with this type of treatment because their growing bodies allow the joint to recover quickly and catch up with the rest of the body.

If fragments are present, it may be necessary to go to the joint to remove fragments and stabilize the joint. Large missing pieces can be replaced by grafting so that the joint remains relatively stable after healing osteochondral fracture. Surgery is often performed arthroscopically, inserting cameras and surgical tools small cuts around the joint for access to the fears area. After surgery, casting can be used to maintain the joint in the early stages of healing.

healing time from osteochondral fracture differs depending on z zfracture. One of the problems with these fractures is that they often do not know themselves in the early stages. The patient may think that the joint is simply stiff and painful, it does not realize that there is permanent damage. Before the fracture is identified, the situation may be much more serious and more extensive treatment may be required.