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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staff- X-rays. X-rays can show abnormalities in the joint's bones. Your doctor may recommend that both joints be X-rayed (both the right and left knee, for example) to compare them.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Utilizing radio waves and a strong magnetic field, MRIs can provide detailed images of both hard and soft tissues. Doctors frequently use MRI to help decide whether healing will occur with conservative treatment or whether surgery is necessary. Because MRI can produce detailed images without radiation exposure, it's the preferred test for osteochondritis dissecans.
- Computerized tomography (CT). This technique combines X-ray images taken from many different angles to produce cross-sectional images of internal structures. CT scans can visualize cartilage as well as bone. This is useful in pinpointing the location of loose fragments within the joint.
References
- Skinner HB, ed. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 4th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2006. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2315794. Accessed Aug. 4, 2012.
- Chambers HG, et al. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guideline on: The diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritic dissecans. Rosemont, Ill.: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.aaos.org/research/guidelines/OCDGuideline.asp. Accessed Aug. 3, 2012.
- Moktassi A, et al. Imaging of osteochondritis dissecans. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 2012;43:201.
- Greiwe RM, et al. Pediatric sports elbow injuries. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2010;29:677.
- Knee problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/default.asp#15. Accessed Aug. 4, 2012.
- Vannini F, et al. "One step" treatment of juvenile osteochondritis dissecans in the knee: Clinical results and T2 mapping characterization. Orthopedic Clinics of North America. 2012;43:237.
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