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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffDoctors are unsure of the cause of osteochondritis dissecans. However, a number of factors may contribute to the disorder:
- Injury or stress. High on the list is repetitive force (trauma or stress) to the affected joint, particularly if you're very active. You may experience small, multiple episodes of minor unrecognized injury that, over time, cause a tiny fracture that damages the overlying cartilage of a joint.
- Restricted blood supply. An impaired blood supply to your bone (vascular insufficiency) also may play a role in the condition. The impaired supply is due to a slight blockage of a small artery and gradually can cause a breaking down or death of bone tissue (avascular necrosis).
- Your genetic makeup. Some people also may be genetically predisposed to develop osteochondritis dissecans.
